SA vs IND Test: India prepares for the crucial SA vs IND Test & ahead of the major series team faces a crucial setback with Ruturaj Gaiwad being ruled out of the series due to a finger injury. There comes another major drawback as Virat Kohli missed crucial practice sessions due to a family emergency. The duo’s absence will be a great threat to India as they gear up for the first Test at Centurion beginning on December 26.
Virat Kohli who has travelled to South Africa had to reduce his visit due to a family emergency. While the primary reason for his return to India is still unknown sources close to BCCI assured that Kohli will join the squad in Johannesburg ahead of the first Test. Despite missing the three-match intra-squad game Kohli is expected to bring his leadership & batting prowess to this crucial encounter.
SA vs IND Test: Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a finger injury
There comes a blow for India’s top order as Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa. Gaikwad sustained a finger injury during the second ODI against the hosts. Despite efforts from the BCCI Medical team, Gaikwad’s recovery timelines don’t align with the Tests which has forced the management to release him from India’s Test squad. His absence will be felt as he has displayed outstanding performances in the recent series.
Abhimanyu Easwaran who is a part of India A Squad which is currently on a shadow tour of South Africa could replace Gaikwas at the top as an opener. Rohit & Yashaswi will continue their partnership at the top order just as they did during the West Indies Test held in July and August.
Abhimanyu struck an unbeaten 61 runs on the second day of the practice match in Pretoria before he retired by the team management. As things stand, Abhimanyu will feature in India A in the second dour day match against South Africa A which will also begin on December 26. He will then link up with the national team ahead of the New Year’s Test in Cape Town.
India’s Test team shone bright in Practice Game
While Kohli & Gaikwad couldn’t participate in the practice games, the Indian team showcased some commendable performances in the three-day intra-squad game in Pretoria. Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran seized the opportunity, to display their cricketing prowess. Notably, Captain Rohit Sharma along with Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, delivered stellar performances inculcating confidence within the team. Looking at their intra-squad performance we can say that they have a chance of winning the Test series.
IND vs SA Test: Indian team left for Johannesburg
With the practice fixture concluding on Friday all the Indian players have left for Johannesburg. From there they will move to Centurion for the first Test which will commence on December 26. After the Boxing Day Test which concludes on 30 December, the team will move to Cape Town for the second & final Test slated to be played on January 3.
Also read, IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Rahul Asks Keshav Maharaj Funny Question
