Virat Kohli Returns Home From South Africa Due To Family Emergency: Report (image-instagram/virat kohli)

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli who was currently in South Africa has returned back home because of family emergency, as per the BCCI sources quoted by PTI. The iconic batter is expected to return to South Africa in time for the first Test against the hosts, beginning on December 26.

Kohli travelled to South Africa as a member of the Indian squad set to participate in the two-Test series which will commence on December 26. Kohli along with Indian captain Rohit Sharma was rested from the white-ball leg of the South Africa tours in which India took on South Africa in a three-match T20I series followed by three ODIs.

Along with Kohli, the Indian captain will also return with the two-Test series in South Africa scheduled to start from December 26 in Centurion. This about to begin series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the two-Test series because of a finger injury. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is now currently part of the India A squad will replace him as the reserve opener. Rohit and Yashavi Jaiswal are likely to continue their partnership at the top of the order, says espn cricinfo.

Gaikwad is expected to head back home and to the BCCI”s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He was injured while fielding during the second ODI match against South Africa in Gqeberha. India had already lost Mohammed Shami to an ankle injury. Despite being named in the squad, he remained back under the watch of the BCCI”s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Ishan Kishan, who kept wickets in Indian Test series in West Indies, will also not be part of the contest against South Africa as he had requested the BCCI to release from the upcoming Test series against South Africa citing personal reasons, reports Hindustan Times.