Amidst the ongoing preparation for the Test series against South Africa, India’s star batter Virat Kohli had to fly back to India due to a family emergency. Virat Kohli, a talismanic figure in the Indian team, left for Mumbai about three days ago after obtaining permission from the team management and the BCCI. He is expected to return to South Africa on Friday and is likely to be available for the first Test, commencing on December 26 at Centurion.
In a separate setback for the Indian team, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to be ruled out of the Test series against South Africa due to a finger injury. Gaikwad sustained the injury during India’s second ODI against South Africa. Despite missing the series decider, he hasn’t fully recovered, and it’s confirmed that he won’t be able to participate in the Test series. Gaikwad is expected to return to India on Saturday.
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The Indian squads for all three formats will assemble in Johannesburg after the conclusion of the ODI series and the ongoing three-day practice game. From there, they will travel to Centurion for the first Test against South Africa, scheduled from December 26 to 30. The second Test will be held in Cape Town from January 3 to 7, marking India’s second series in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle.
India’s last Test series in South Africa took place in December 2021-January 2022, where South Africa clinched the series 2-1 after India won the opening Test in Centurion. This upcoming series provides India with an opportunity to secure their first-ever Test series win in South Africa.
-IANS
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