Virat Kohli was forced to skip the three-day intra-squad match that is now taking place in Pretoria. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad will not play in the Test series versus South Africa starting later this month. The young opener’s finger injury has not healed, according to reports inside the Indian Cricket Board. The Indian team management has decided to send him back alongside the white-ball players.
A family issue forced Kohli, who was just in South Africa to play the Test series, to return to India. His emergency situation is still unclear, but according to Indian Cricket Board sources, he will return to Johannesburg. There is a chance that he might be there to play the first Test, which begins at Centurion on December 26.
After receiving approval from the Indian Cricket Board and team management to not participate in the three-day practice match that Indian players are now participating in in Pretoria, Kohli departed for Mumbai almost three days ago. It is anticipated that Kohli will return on Friday, December 22.
On December 19, in the second ODI versus the hosts in Port Elizabeth, Gaikwad sustained a finger injury. One of the sources inside the Indian Cricket Board told CricBuzz about Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury. They said, “(He) hasn’t fully recovered from the blow he sustained to his ring finger while fielding in the second ODI. He remains under the supervision of the Indian Cricket Board Medical Team.”
Will Ruturaj Gaikwad return with Virat Kohli?
Now it’s clear he won’t be able to recuperate in time for any of the two Tests, the team management has opted to bring him back. This happened after speaking with the Indian Cricket Board and should arrive in India on Saturday.
The Indian players have been involved in various practice matches, so far. Most of them have had good outings in the practice game, which ends on Friday. Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran, in particular, made the most of their opportunities. Meanwhile Rohit Sharma, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur looked impressive.
Fans react as two key Indian batters might not play first Test against South Africa: –
Virat Kohli returns to home from South Africa due to family emergency. (Cricbuzz) pic.twitter.com/6bYh2Vcb9v
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) December 22, 2023
Virat Kohli returns to home from South Africa due to family emergency, BCCI source confirms Virat Kohli will be back in Johannsburg in time for the first Test Match against South Africa. pic.twitter.com/sZMAVyzsv9
— Meena ? (@Istreetgirl) December 22, 2023
Upload this bro @ImTanujSingh pic.twitter.com/uuv1J7yEC4
— Sumit ?? (@here4kohli) December 22, 2023
Another series victory loading for India
— niru (@nira364924) December 22, 2023
22nd December ko return pohach jayega south africa pura news likh
— KIRTIRAJSINH_RATHOD (@KIRTIRAJSINH18R) December 22, 2023
To achha hua itna tel lagake batane ki jarurat nahi 36 all out ke bad bhi bhaga tha
— Shrikant ef (@shrikantd31) December 22, 2023
Don't worry guys he will play 1st test..
Only 3days leave he takes— Ab wasim17 (@BeingAbdulWasim) December 22, 2023
sidha bol n bsdk baccha hua h
— Rishi__ (@rishi___00) December 22, 2023
Ideally he should stay back and be with family and some one of his calibeee like Rahane join team
— astroamitk12 (@darkknightback) December 22, 2023
