In a setback for the Indian cricket team, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been sidelined from the ongoing Test series against South Africa due to a right ring finger injury sustained during the second ODI in Gqeberha. The injury occurred while fielding, prompting Gaikwad to undergo scans and subsequent consultations with medical experts.
Following the assessment by the BCCI Medical Team, it has been determined that Ruturaj Gaikwad will play no further part in the tour. He is set to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for comprehensive management of his injury. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as Gaikwad’s replacement by the Men’s Selection Committee.
In addition to Gaikwad’s unfortunate exit, fast bowler Harshit Rana will miss the four-day match against South Africa A, scheduled to commence on December 26 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Rana’s absence is attributed to a hamstring injury. The Selection Committee has responded by making strategic adjustments to India A’s squad.
The revised India A squad for the upcoming four-day match against SA A comprises captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Navdeep Saini, Akash Deep, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Manav Suthar, and Rinku Singh. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the squad.
As the Indian team navigates through these unforeseen challenges, the focus remains on regaining momentum and overcoming hurdles in the quest for success on the South African tour.
