THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Mumbai, Dec 23: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated on Saturday that right-handed Indian opener batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the forthcoming two-match Test series against South Africa due to injury.
During fielding in the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha, Gaikwad sustained an injury to his right ring finger.
He had scans, and the BCCI Medical Team decided he couldn’t continue the tour after consulting with an expert. BCCI has announced Abhimanyu Easwaran as Gaikwad’s replacement in the team.
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“He will be reporting to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further management of his injury. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Abhimanyu Easwaran as his replacement,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Gaikwad missed the third and final ODI against the Proteas on Thursday due to a finger ailment. At the toss, skipper KL Rahul announced that Rajat Patidar, making his ODI debut, replaced Gaikwad in the playing XI after the latter was benched because of “some damage to his finger”.
India and South Africa are all set to play a two-match Test series. The first Test will start on Boxing Day (26th December) at the Centurion, and the second Test will start in Capetown on January 3.