Rohit Sharma reveals why Ravindra Jadeja isn't included in India playing XI for Boxing Day test against South Africa

Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Ravindra Jadeja is out of the playing XI due to back spasm.

Team India resumed their World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle campaign against South Africa at Supersport Park in Centurion. South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and invited India to bat first in overcast conditions. Team India also decided to play with just one spinner in the game.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is out of action due to a back spasm forcing Indian captain Rohit Sharma to go with 4 pace bowlers and only one spinner against South Africa in the first test. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is chosen as the lone frontline spin bowling option along with 4 pace bowlers Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

Rohit Sharma reveals why Ravindra Jadeja is out

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma informed during the toss that Ravindra Jadeja is not fit for the first test. Rohit revealed, “We are playing with four seamers and a spinner. Ashwin is playing in place of Jadeja. Jaddu had a bit of a back spasm, so Ashwin comes in and he is a quality spinner to have.” Ravindra Jadeja has played just one test match in South African conditions.

Ravichandran Ashwin is 11 wickets away from becoming the 9th bowler in World Cricket to complete the 500 wickets milestone. Ashwin will be looking to get to the record in the upcoming two test matches. Prasidh Krishna was also handed his test cap as he became the 309th test player for India. Mukesh Kumar failed to get an opportunity as team management was looking for a bowler with more bounce.

India are still waiting for their first-ever series victory in South Africa. India did come close on a few occasions in past tours but failed to maintain their momentum. Rohit Sharma also looked hopeful of the team creating history in the next two test matches. South Africa decided to go with an all-pace bowling attack with Kagiso Rabada, Marco Janse, Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee on their side.

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