Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has been ruled out of the third and final Test against South Africa, skipper Virat Kohli confirmed on Monday. India and South Africa will clash in the third and final match of the series in Newlands, Cape Town from January 11.
Kohli also confirmed that he is fit to take the field on Tuesday. The Indian Test skipper doesn't want to take any risks with Siraj, who has a niggle, and hence the bowler will not play the third Test.
"Yes, I am absolutely fit. Siraj is obviously recovering from the niggle, he had from the last game and at present, I do not think he is match-ready to take the field. We cannot risk a guy who is not fit because we know how important is that a little niggle opening and extending into an injury could be for the team. Yes Siraj is not up to the mark but I am absolutely fit," said Kohli during a virtual press conference.
Speaking about the fitness of players, Kohli said, "More so now with playing in environments where we are restricted most of the time, I think these things are already being discussed and considered, things will improve as we go ahead. This is the only way to manage this, you do not want to lose important players. These are the few things I have observed that have led to players having niggles."
The series stands level at 1-1 and there is everything to play for in the series decider. India won the first Test in Centurion and South Africa drew level in Johannesburg.
(ANI inputs)
