Who has replaced injured Ruturaj Gaikwad in India's test squad for SA tour?

Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a finger injury during ODI series against South Africa.

In another major setback to Indian camp ahead of the two-match test series against South Africa, right-hand opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the test series due to a finger injury he sustained during the recently concluded three-match ODI series. Ruturaj Gaikwad also missed out on the last ODI game played at Boland Park in Paarl.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCC) has added Abhimanyu Easwaran who was serving as India A captain as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s replacement in the test squad. Right-hand opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad underwent scans after the injury and then team management took the decision based on expert consultation of BCCI medical team.

Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out

BCCI in an official release has informed, “Mr Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury to his right ring finger while fielding in the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha. He underwent scans, and following an expert consultation, the BCCI Medical Team has ruled him out of the remainder of the tour. He will be reporting to the NCA for further management of his injury.”

Pace bowler Harshit Rana is also ruled out of the four-day match against South Africa A starting on 26th December at Willowmoore Park in Benoni due to a hamstring injury. The selection panel has added Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, and Avesh Khan to India A squad for the upcoming game against South Africa A. Kuldeep Yadav will be heading home.

The first test between India and South Africa will commence on Boxing Day at Supersport park in Centurion. Team India have not won a test series against Proteas on South African soil. Team India started brilliantly in their previous tour but Proteas bounced back nicely after the first test in Centurion and went on to win the 3-match series by a 2-1 margin.

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