Big Update: Virat Kohli Returns To India; Gaikwad Ruled Out Of Test Series
Kohli returns back home [X.Com]
In a major development coming from the Indian camp, star batter and former captain, Virat Kohli has flown back to India due to family emergency. The Test number 4 was granted permission by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Kohli returns back home, Gaikwad ruled out!
The exact reason for Kohli flying back is still unknown, but it can be confirmed by Cricbuzz that the veteran will take part in the 1st Test against South Africa, taking place in Centurion. Apparently Kohli missed the 3-day intra-squad match and is likely to join the rest of the teammates by today or tomorrow morning.
In another development, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who missed the third and the final ODI against South Africa due to an injury, has been ruled out of the two-match Test series, slated to begin on December 26.
Gaikwad suffered from a finger injury in the second ODI against the Proteas and as a result, he missed the final ODI, which took place on Thursday. The opening batter was under the observation of the BCCI medical team, and it has come to light that the injury will take time to heal and subsequently, the right-handed batter has been released from the squad.
Gaikwad, aged 26, suffered a finger injury during the second ODI against the hosts at Port Elizabeth on 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 medical team’s statement before the start of the 3rd ODI.
Meanwhile, the Indian ODI team, led by KL Rahul, won the ODI series 2-1. Having clinched the first ODI, the Men in Blue suffered a defeat in the second game, before bouncing back in the third ODI.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
