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[Saba Sports News] India batter Virat Kohli has left South Africa owing to a family emergency. He is said to have departed to Mumbai or London, as reported by Cricbuzz.
Kohli is a part of India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. His departure from the country has created a doubt within the cricketing circles about his availability for for the nearing matches, scheduled versus the Proteas.
However, as the reports reveal, the 35-year-old will arrive in South Africa before the Test series starts with his tentative return date being December 24.
Moreover, in a blow to India, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out the South Africa Test series. Gaikwad injured his ring finger while fielding in the second ODI of the recently-concluded series. He was unavailable for the selection in the third ODI as well.
With Gaikwad released from the squad, Sarfaraz Khan, who smashed a blistering century in the intra-squad match, could fill in the vacant place as his replacement.
Notably, the first Test match will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, starting December 26.