IND vs SA: Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out Of 3rd Test, Replacement Announced

Maharaj picked up a shoulder injury on the second day of the Pune Test. The MRI results have suggested that he is unfit to play the last Test in Ranchi.

After losing the Test series to India on Sunday, South Africa received a massive blow as spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled of the third and the final match due to shoulder injury. He will be replaced by spinner George Linde, confirmed Cricket South Africa. Maharaj picked up the injury on the second day of the second Test match which India won by 137 runs and an innings. Despite being injured, Maharaj smashed his maiden Test half-century, scoring 72 to help South Africa in the first innings.

#CSAnews George Linde to replace Keshav Maharaj https://t.co/GQbsgy4HoD pic.twitter.com/3xcseDLRux

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 13, 2019

South Africa team doctor Ramjee Hashendra said after this morning's assessment and the findings of the MRI, the medical team feels that he will not be fit in time for the next Test match. “An MRI showed that Keshav has sustained an injury to a muscle in his right shoulder which was strapped in order for him to bat yesterday. He was reassessed this morning particularly with regards to bowling and showed significant discomfort during bowling," Cricket South Africa's official website quoted Hashendra as saying. “Based on this morning's assessment and the findings of the MRI, the medical team feels that he will not be fit in time for the next Test match in six days' time. The nature and extent of the injury would mean that he will probably return to play in 14 to 21 days based on his progress during the rehabilitation phase,” he added. India have a 2-0 lead over South Africa in the three-match Test series. The third Test match between both the teams will start from October 19 in Ranchi.