Published: Sep 10, 2015, 06:54 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2015, 12:11 PM (IST)
South Africa‘s right-hand batsman Faf du Plessis tour to India as captain (for the T20 team) is in jeopardy. He is nursing a knee injury at the moment and it is not clear whether he will play in India or not. Du Plessis has been picked for playing in all the three versions of the game in India. It is felt that even though he is injured his presence is very much needed to counter the Indian bowlers. It was suggested by doctors that Du Plessis would not play cricket for a month after the injury. It was expected that Du Plessis would be fine before India tour but now it seems it may be possible but very uncertain. READ: Virat Kohli might replace MS Dhoni as Indian ODI captain against South Africa in October
In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo South Africa’s team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said, “The injury has responded slower than expected. Faf [Du Plessis] saw a knee specialist in Cape Town last week, where he received a second cortisone injection into the area. This seemed to have worked as he is currently pain-free. However, we need to see how he progresses. The plan is to commence training next week and build up to full intensity by the end of the month.” South Africa are currently plagued by injuries. Hashim Amla has a chronic neck issue and a fractured bone in his left thumb. According to Moosajee, “both [Du Plessis and Amla’s injury] have settled.” Spinner Imran Tahir has a thigh injury. Speaking of Tahir Moosajee said, “Imran [Tahir] has responded well to treatment.” Left-hand batsman Rilee Rossouw has a stress fracture in his left foot. READ: Akshar Patel must be considered for India vs South Africa 2015 Test series
“Healing for this type of injury [Rossouw’s fracture] takes six to eight weeks. Rilee [Rossouw] is currently non-weight bearing in a moon boot but he is being assessed weekly in Bloemfontein. A decision will be made as to when he can start full-weight bearing and light running, but the aim is to have him ready for the ODIs.” Chris Morris is suffering from a groin injury but Moosajee is optimistic that he will be fine before India tour.
