IND vs SA: Ruturaj Gaikwad Ruled Out of Test Series Due to Finger Injury - Reports

India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of upcoming Test series against South Africa due to a finger injury sustained while attempting a catch in the second ODI against South Africa earlier this week. Gaikwad, who managed only nine runs in two innings during the ODI series, will miss the two-Test series with a confirmed ring finger fracture, as reported by a source quoted by PTI.

Making his debut in July 2021 in a T20I against Sri Lanka, Gaikwad’s ODI debut followed a year later in October 2022 against South Africa. In six ODIs, he has scored 106 runs with a top score of 71, while in T20Is, he boasts an impressive record of 500 runs, including a century with a high score of 123*.

Gaikwad’s notable achievements include becoming the ninth Indian batter to score a T20I century, accomplishing this milestone against Australia. His century stands as the second-highest score by an Indian in T20Is and the highest against Australia in the format.

Recognized for his leadership, Gaikwad captained the Indian team to a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, making history as the first Indian captain in men’s cricket at the Asian Games to achieve this feat.

In the IPL 2023 season, Gaikwad excelled as a standout performer for the Chennai Super Kings, accumulating 590 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 42.14 and a striking rate of 147.50.