IND vs SA 1st Test: Virat Kohli Returns Home Due To Family Emergency - Report

Virat Kohli is expected to rejoin the Indian squad in time for the first Test against South Africa, set to commence on Boxing Day, December 26.

Virat Kohli is expected to return in time, join the Indian contingent for IND vs SA 1st Test, starting on December 26.

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Indian batting icon Virat Kohli reportedly made an unscheduled return to Mumbai from the ongoing tour of South Africa, as reported by Cricbuzz. The reason for his departure three days ago has not been disclosed, but the report suggests it is linked to a family emergency. Cricbuzz's report indicates that Virat Kohli is expected to rejoin the Indian team in time for IND vs SA 1st Test, set to commence on Boxing Day, December 26.

The report did not specify the precise details of the emergency that prompted Virat Kohli's unscheduled return to Mumbai.

As per the report, Virat Kohli left South Africa and returned to Mumbai three days ago after securing BCCI's permission; also the reason why he was compelled to sit out the three-day intra-squad practice match between India and South Africa, leading up to the inaugural Test between the two Test playing nations on December 26 in Centurion.

Injury setbacks for team India ahead of IND vs SA Test Series 

India has already lost two star players Mohammed Shami and Ruturaj Gaikwad to injuries. Talented young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad will be unavailable for the forthcoming IND vs SA two-match Test series as he's yet to fully recover from a finger injury sustained during IND vs SA 2nd ODI on December 19. Mohammed Shami, the veteran in-form pacer, hasn't recovered from his ankle injury.

In another setback for India, star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan, who assumed the wicketkeeping duties during India's Test series in the West Indies, also won't be part of the upcoming IND vs SA Test Series. As per reports, Ishan formally requested release from India's Test series against South Africa, citing personal reasons.

India Test squad for IND vs SA Test Series: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk)