Virat Kohli returns home ahead of South Africa Test series due to family emergency; Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out: Report

With only four days remaining, the much anticipated two-match Test series between South Africa and India will begin at SuperSport Park in Centurion but on Friday afternoon, the visiting team suffered two significant setbacks. According to a report from Cricbuzz, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been released from the squad after being unable to recover from his finger injury. Meanwhile, former India captain Virat Kohli had to miss the current three-day intra-squad game in Pretoria in order to return home for an emergency.

Kohli back home due to family emergency

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The specifics of the emergency were not disclosed in the story, according to BCCI insiders Kohli will return in time for the first game, which begins on December 26. Three days prior, the 35-year-old really departed for Mumbai after being allowed from the administration to leave the intrasquad game. It is anticipated that Kohli will to join the team on Friday, December 22.

Gaikwad ruled out following an injury

Gaikwad was also ruled out of the third ODI match, due to a finger injury he sustained during this week’s second ODI encounter against South Africa following Rajat Patidar received his first debut cap, due to a finger injury he sustained during this week’s second ODI encounter against South Africa.

“(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 BCCI Medical Team,” the BCCI statement said before the start of the ODI series decider in Paarl. The report stated that with Gaikwad has little to no chance of recovering withing four days as the opener, due to which the team management, in consultation with the BCCI, released him from the squad.