The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Gaikwad sustained an injury to his right ring finger while fielding in the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha. The first Test is scheduled to begin on Boxing Day at Centurion, with the second Test set to commence on January 3 in Cape Town.
After undergoing scans and consulting with experts, the BCCI Medical Team has decided to rule Ruturaj Gaikwad out of the remainder of the tour due to his injury. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been called as the replacement in the squad.
“He will be reporting to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further management of his injury. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Abhimanyu Easwaran as his replacement,” a statement from BCCI read.
Due to a finger injury, Gaikwad was unable to participate in the third ODI against South Africa. In place of him, KL Rahul picked Rajat Patidar as the opener.
Before the start of the third ODI, BCCI said,”(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.”
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Meanwhile, fast bowler Harshit Rana will be unavailable for the four-day match against South Africa A, scheduled to commence on December 26 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. The bowler is out due to a hamstring injury.