IND vs SA: Virat Kohli heads back India for a family emergency, Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of Test series

In a surprising turn of events, Indian cricket find itself grappling with unforeseen setbacks as the team prepares for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa. Ruturaj Gaikwad's unavailability due to a lingering finger injury and Virat Kohli's sudden departure for a family emergency has thrown the team's plans into disarray.

Gaikwad, the promising 26-year-old opener, has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources reveal that he has not fully recovered from a finger injury sustained during the second ODI against the hosts 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 said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Adding to the team's challenges, Kohli, the former Indian captain, had to cut short his stay in South Africa due to a family emergency. While the details of the emergency remain unclear, BCCI sources assure that Kohli will return to Johannesburg in time for the first Test, commencing on December 26. Kohli, who left for Mumbai three days ago, is set to rejoin the squad on Friday.

Despite these setbacks, the ongoing three-day intra-squad game in Pretoria has provided opportunities for other players to shine. Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran capitalized on their chances, while captain Rohit Sharma, along with pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, displayed impressive form.

Currently, the Indian players are dispersed, participating in different matches. Following the conclusion of the ODI series on Thursday and the completion of the three-day game on Friday, all players of the Indian team will gather in Johannesburg. From there, they will embark on their journey to Centurion for the upcoming Test. Post the Boxing Day Test, slated to end on December 30, the team will head to Cape Town for the second and final Test, scheduled to kick off on January 3.