South Africa vs India:In a surprising turn of events, India’s cricket captain Virat Kohli has had to cut short his stay in South Africa due to a family emergency, casting a shadow over the team’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against the Proteas.
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Virat Kohli had to fly back to Mumbai, leaving the ongoing tour of South Africa abruptly. The exact nature of the family emergency is undisclosed, but reports assure he’ll rejoin the squad before the crucial first Test starting on December 26.
Kohli’s unexpected departure led to him missing the three-day intra-squad practice match, a crucial warm-up ahead of the Test series. The skipper’s absence creates a void in the lineup, especially considering his pivotal role as one of the leading run-scorers in Tests among active players.
Adding to India’s woes, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, grappling with a finger injury, has been ruled out of the Test series. The young batter sustained the injury during the second ODI against South Africa, leaving the team without a promising prospect.
Despite the setbacks, the team showcased red-ball regulars like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah in good form during the intra-squad game. The likes of Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur also left an impression.
While the unexpected departure raised concerns, BCCI sources have assured that Virat Kohli will be back in time for the first Test. Kohli, having left for Mumbai three days ago with team management’s permission, is expected to rejoin the team on December 22.
Apart from Kohli and Gaikwad, India had earlier lost Mohammed Shami to injury, and Ishan Kishan requested release from the Test series citing personal reasons. With the squad in flux, the team management faces strategic challenges.
The upcoming Test series against South Africa was already highly anticipated, and Kohli’s return will be keenly awaited. The unexpected twists in the narrative add an element of uncertainty, making this series even more intriguing for cricket enthusiasts.
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