In an unforeseen turn of events, the cricketing world received news that former Indian captain Virat Kohli had to cut short his South Africa tour due to a family emergency. The star batter, who was initially set to participate in the red-ball matches, had to leave the ongoing tour abruptly, missing the ongoing three-day intra-squad match in Pretoria.
Virat Kohli, who had opted to skip the white-ball matches during the multi-format tour, recently flew to South Africa for the Test series. However, he had to rush back to India due to an undisclosed family emergency. The nature of the emergency remains confidential, respecting the privacy of the cricketer and his family.
Kohli, a stalwart in the Indian cricket team, chose rest during the practice game and left for Mumbai three days ago. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management granted him permission for this unexpected departure. However, despite missing the intra-squad match, Kohli is anticipated to rejoin the Indian Test squad in Johannesburg on Friday, December 22, just in time for the first Test in Centurion.
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In another setback for the Indian cricket team, opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against South Africa. Gaikwad, who missed the final ODI due to a finger injury sustained during the second ODI against the Proteas, was under the observation of the BCCI medical team.
The 26-year-old right-handed batsman faced challenges recovering from the blow to his ring finger while fielding in the second ODI. Despite the BCCI medical team’s efforts, it was determined that Gaikwad’s injury requires more time to heal. Consequently, he has been released from the squad, marking a significant setback for the young opener.
The absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad adds to the complexities for the Indian team, which had experienced a rollercoaster ODI series. Led by KL Rahul, the Indian ODI team managed to clinch the series 2-1, overcoming a loss in the second game to emerge victorious in the third ODI. As the focus shifts to the Test series, India will be navigating the challenges of Virat Kohli’s swift return and the void left by Gaikwad’s absence.