(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Before the Test series against South Africa, Team India has been hit with the unavailability issues of their three players.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Mohammad Shami have been ruled out of the series due to their respective injuries, while Ishan Kishan opted out due to personal reasons.
Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not provide a clarification on Kishan’s withdrawal, The Indian Express reported that the wicketkeeper-batter made himself unavailable citing “mental fatigue.”
Kishan was constantly travelling with the team in the last year or so. However, he did not receive much opportunities, particularly in the ODI format.
“He informed the team management that he is having mental fatigue and wants a break from cricket for some time. Everyone agreed to it,” a source said as quoted to The Indian Express.
The BCCI named KS Bharat as Kishan’s replacement. He will be the back-up to KL Rahul. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been added to the squad in Gaikwad’s place.
The first Test of the two-match series will kick-off on December 26 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.