Srinagar: Team India Superstar batter Virat Kohli has rushed back home from South Africa due to family emergency while as Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the two-Test series against the hosts.
A report by Cricbuzz.com has said that Virat Kohli had to miss the three-day intra-squad game currently underway in Pretoria.
Quoting sources Cricbuzz.com reported that Kohli, who recently traveled to South Africa for the Test series, had to return to India due to a family emergency.
“The exact details of the emergency are not clear, but BCCI sources say that he will be back in Johannesburg in time for the first Test, which starts at Centurion on December 26,” report said.
Kohli left for Mumbai about three days ago after obtaining permission from the team management and the BCCI to skip the three-day practice game in which Indian players are currently involved in Pretoria. Kohli is expected to return on Friday (December 22).
Meanwhile report quoting sources said that Gaikwad has not recovered from a finger injury. He has been released by the Indian team management in South Africa.
“(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 stated before the start of the third and final ODI on Thursday.
It has now emerged that there is no chance of his recovery before either of the two Tests, and the team management, after consulting the BCCI, has decided to release him immediately. He is expected to reach India by Saturday.