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In a surprising development, Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli has made an unexpected return to India ahead of the much awaited Test series against South Africa. The decision, attributed to personal reasons, has left fans and cricket enthusiasts speculating about the circumstances surrounding Kohli’s departure.
Virat Kohli’s early departure
Virat Kohli, a stalwart of Indian cricket and a key figure in the team’s leadership, left for Mumbai after obtaining permission from the team management and the BCCI to skip the three-day practice game in which Indian players are currently involved in Pretoria.
According to Cricbuzz, a BCCI official has confirmed Kohli’s departure but provided no further details regarding the nature of the family emergency.
The report added that Kohli will rejoin his teammates in Johannesburg ahead of the first Test, which is scheduled to be played in Centurion from December 26 onwards.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the Test series against South Africa
Meanwhile, opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out for the two-Test series against the Proteas side.
Gaikwad suffered a finger injury during the second ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday, December 19.
“(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 said, on Thursday, in their official statement.
Now, the Indian cricket board has confirmed that Gaikwad cannot recover before either of the two Tests, and has therefore been released from the squad. The 26-year-old will reach India by Saturday, December 23.
