India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday.
The first Test of the two-match series between India and South Africa will begin on Boxing Day at the Centurion, with the second Test set to begin on 3 January in Capetown.
Gaikwad suffered an injury to his right ring finger while fielding in the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha. He underwent scans, and following an expert consultation, the BCCI Medical Team ruled him out of the remainder of the tour.
Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as Gaikwad's replacement in the squad. "He will be reporting to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further management of his injury.