Virat Kohli Returns Home From South Africa, Another Batter Ruled Out: Sources

22.12.2023 - 11:49 sports.ndtv.com

Indian cricket team superstar Virat Kohli has reportedly returned home due to a family emergency, just days before the start of the first Test against South Africa.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources, however, have confirmed that the iconic batter will be back in time for the first Test, which begins on December 26, against the Proteas in Centurion.

Earlier, the BCCI had released wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan from the squad for the Test series over a personal matter. KS Bharat was named as his replacement for the 2-match series.

It has also been learned that India's opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the two-Test series because of a fracture in his finger. "Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the two-Test series with ring finger fracture," a source was quoted as saying by PTI.

cricket South Africa Cricket Team India Cricket Team South Africa vs India Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Australia South Africa India

India beat South Africa by seven wickets despite a stunning century by Aiden Markram on the second day of the second Test at Newlands on Thursday. The win helped the side level the two-match series 1-1. This was only the second time that India managed to draw a Test series in the Rainbow Nation. They have played a total of nine Test series in South Africa and lost seven of them. The comeback victory on Thursday, however, did give a big boost to the Indian players' confidence.

India vs South Africa: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's DRS Discussion In Second Test Has Internet In Splits For 'Wrong' Language

With just one wicket to go and three reviews remaining, the Indian cricket team decided to make use of their resources, although knowing that the result was unlikely to come in their favour. Mohammed Siraj hit South Africa's Nandre Burger high on the right right, on Day 2 of the second Test at Cape Town, but the umpire had little interest in rewarding Team India's appeal. However, realising that India have three DRS calls to spare, Rohit contemplated going for a review, after a brief discussion with teammates, but eventually decided against taking it.

Virat Kohli's Special Gift To Keshav Maharaj Gets Epic Caption From South Africa Star

Following the end of the second Test match between India and South Africa on Thursday at Newlands, Virat Kohli gifted his signed jersey to Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj. Keshav took to his official Instagram account and shared the picture of him receiving the former India skipper's 'number 18' jersey. "One for the Wall, Thank you @virat.kohli," the Proteas spinner wrote on Instagram while sharing the picture. On Thursday, Rohit Sharma and Kohli also gifted signed jerseys to Dean Elgar after he ended his international cricket career.

Watch: Major Injury Averted After Ball Hits Virat Kohli On The Face During Dramatic India vs South Africa Test

Fielding in the slips is never easy, with deliveries coming at pace after edging the blades of batters. On occasions, players fielding in the slips get hit on the body while attempting to catch or stop a ball. That is what happened with India star Virat Kohli in the second Test of the series against South Africa in Cape Town. The ball kissed the bat of Proteas batter David Bedingham's bat before awkwardly falling in front of Kohli. The India star tried to stop the ball but it bounced off his hand and hit him in the face.

Watch: Virat Kohli Wins Hearts With Priceless Gesture For Retiring South Africa Star Dean Elgar

The India vs South Africa second Test at Newlands, Capetown is being played with both sides giving their all on the field. While the Indian bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj, did a commendable job to bowl out South Africa for 55 runs after getting an invitation to bowl first, the South African pacers bounced back and bundled India out for 153 runs. Dean Elgar then came out to bat for a final time in international cricket and scored 12 runs before becoming a victim of Mukesh Kumar.

Watch: South Africa Pacer Tries To Scare Virat Kohli. Sunil Gavaskar's Reaction Is Gold

It will be a day which will etched in the history of Indian cricket forever. Dismissing a team for a double digit figure is a big feat, and India did it in emphatic fashion against South Africa on Day 1 of the second Test. A career-best six-wicket haul from Mohammed Siraj helped India dismiss South Africa for a lowly 55 before the visitors were dismissed for 153.