Abhimanyu Easwaran Steps In as Replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad in India’s Test Squad

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as the replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad in India’s squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday (December 23). Gaikwad’s exclusion comes after sustaining a right ring finger injury during the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha.

Gaikwad’s Injury and Replacement Decision

Gaikwad’s injury prompted scans and consultations with experts, leading to the decision to rule him out of the remaining matches on the tour. The BCCI Medical Team has decided to send him to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further management of the injury. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been chosen as the replacement in India’s Test squad.

The Indian team has faced several challenges during their tour of South Africa. In addition to Gaikwad’s injury, fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the four-day game against South Africa A in Benoni due to a hamstring injury. The BCCI Selection Committee has made adjustments to the India A squad, introducing Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Avesh Khan, and Rinku Singh, while releasing Kuldeep Yadav.

Easwaran Named Captain for India A

Notably, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been appointed as the captain of India A’s squad for the upcoming four-day match against South Africa A at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. This development adds an interesting dynamic to the series, as Easwaran takes on a leadership role in addition to his inclusion in the Test squad.

The Indian team has witnessed a series of injuries and withdrawals during their South Africa tour. Suryakumar Yadav sustained a Grade-II tear in his ankle during the third T20I in Johannesburg, leading to a seven-week absence from the action. Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has also opted out of the Test series, citing ‘mental fatigue’ after continuous travel over the past year.