IND vs SA: With just four days until the highly anticipated two-match Test series against South Africa kicks off at SuperSport Park in Centurion, the Indian camp has been dealt two significant blows. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, still struggling with a finger injury, has been ruled out of the opening Test and subsequently released from the squad, reported Cricbuzz. Meanwhile, former captain Virat Kohli has reportedly flown back home to India due to an unspecified emergency, forcing him to miss the ongoing three-day intra-squad practice match in Pretoria.Virat Kohli returns home due to a family emergency. Hell be back in time for the Boxing Day Test.Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the Test series. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/Cl9PRUfcV7— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 22, 2023Why did Virat Kohli return to IndiaWhile the reason of Kohlis emergency remains unclear, reportedly it is being said that he will rejoin the team in time for the Boxing Day Test. The 35-year-old had already received permission to skip the intra-squad match and left for Mumbai three days ago. He is expected to return to the South African camp on Friday, December 22.Gaikwad, on the other hand, sustained a finger injury during the second ODI against South Africa and missed the deciding match of the ODI series, where Rajat Patidar impressed on debut. He hasnt fully recovered from the blow he sustained to his ring finger while fielding in the second ODI. He remains under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team, a BCCI statement read before the ODI decider in Paarl. With Gaikwads recovery unlikely within four days, the team management, in consultation with the BCCI, decided to release him from the squad.Bigger setbacks for IndiaIndia has already lost ace speedster bowler Mohammed Shami to an ankle injury. Despite being named in the initial squad, Shami remained in India under the supervision of the BCCIs National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Additionally, wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, who was the wicketkeeper in the West Indies Test series, has requested the BCCI to be released from the upcoming Test series against South Africa citing personal reasons, according to the report.Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah join the squadThe intra-squad match will be concluded on Friday, with regular red ball players Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah returning to the playing XI after the World Cup final loss. Promising youngsters like Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran also displayed glimpses of their talent as India will be looking to put up a strong fight against a formidable South African team, that too in South Africas den.
