As we reached the last stretch leading to the India-South Africa Test series, opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out by an unhealed finger injury. At the same time, Virat Kohli former captain was forced to leave behind due to a sudden family emergency in Pretoria's ongoing internal match. The specifics are not yet known.

Due to finger Injury Gaikwad was also going to have no chance of playing on this tour. Despite the best efforts by all concerned, he wasn't made fit in time for the opening Test. The team management with advice from BCCI headquarters then let him off of their side. With Gaikwad taking himself out, India's challenges increase. Earlier setbacks include the injury to Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan 's departure over personal problems.

With the team management's approval, Virat Kohli left for Mumbai earlier and is expected to reunite with his colleagues in Kolkata on December 22-one day prior to the start of play. Although Kohli's family emergency is kept not out of public view, BCCI sources assure his return for the all important first Test.

To warm up for the series, there was a preparatory intra-squad game. In this many important players posted impressive performances. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah delivered yet again in the red-ball environment. Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran also suited up with promising performances. Test series against South Africa Despite the odds, India's team remains optimistic about playing well in the next round of matches. With some of the team's vital cogs sitting out, what remains is lack of material. The days to come will tell us how the squad becomes used to being without these unexpected losses.

Picture Credit - Aaj Tak