There's a big injury concern for Team India as four big stars are expected to be ruled out of the Test series against South Africa. Opener Shubhman Gill, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and fast bowler Ishant Sharma, all suffered injuries during the two-match Test series against New Zealand at home. According to the Indian Express, Jadeja has sustained a ligament tear while Axar has a stress fracture. Gill's shin injury has once again resurfaced and put doubts on his inclusion for the South Africa tour. Earlier this year, the youngster had missed the England series due to the same injury.
Jadeja and Axar need time to heal
According to the report, Ravindra Jadeja's injury during the first Test ruled him out of the Wankhede Test and the Indian all-rounder could face a longer spell on the sidelines due to the nature of the ligament tear. Axar’s stress fracture may also take up to six weeks to heal. At the same time, fast bowler Ishant Sharma is suffering from a side strain that ruled him out of the Mumbai game. Although the Indian Test team hasn't been announced yet, these four players in all likelihood won't make it on the flight to South Africa.
Tour to commence from December 26
Cricket South Africa has already announced the revised schedule for the India series. The tour which was scheduled to kick off on December 17 earlier, will now commence from December 26. The New Year's Test will be played at Johannesburg from January 3 to January 7 and Newlands Stadium in Cape Town will host the final Test match from January 11. After the Test series, India will take on the Proteas in a three-match ODI series.
