Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir said that Rohit Sharma being ruled out of the upcoming Test series against South Africa is a massive blow for the visitors. 

With just a few days remaining for the start of the Test series against South Africa, Team India suffered a major blow as new Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the series. 

The newly appointed Test vice-captain suffered a hamstring injury during a practice session in Mumbai on Sunday (12th December) and then was subsequently ruled out of the three-match Test series. 

With senior opener being ruled out, BCCI named Priyank Panchal as his replacement. KL Rahul is now expected to open the innings alongside his Karnataka teammate Mayank Agarwal. 

Gautam Gambhir feels that Rohit Sharma’s absence from the Test series will be a big blow for the Indian team as he was in good form, and his inputs as vice-captain could have been beneficial.

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"It's a big blow for India and the way he batted in England, he would have like to go, South Africa, as he wouldn't want to miss a Test while being in good form. He was just appointed as a vice-captain so it's a massive blow," Gautam Gambhir told ANI. 

Gambhir further said that it will now be a great opportunity for youngster Priyank Panchal to make the country proud. 

"Great opportunity for the youngster to pick up this opportunity and make the country proud," he said. 

Indian’s tour of South Africa will kick start with the Boxing Day Test from December 26 at Centurion followed by the second Test at Johannesburg from January 3 to 7. The final Test will take place in Cape Town from January 11 to 15.

After that, both teams will lock horns in three-match ODI series, which will be played from 19th January to 23rd January. 

(ANI inputs)