Due to a family issue, Virat Kohli has gone to India, but the senior batter is anticipated to be back in time for the first Test against South Africa, which begins next week.
Kohli has gone to South Africa as part of the Indian squad for the two-Test series, which will begin on December 26 at SuperSport Park.
“Virat Kohli has returned to India due to a family emergency. But he will be back before start of the first Test,” a BCCI source told PTI on Friday.
It is understood that Kohli had already taken permission from BCCI brass about his short leave.
“Virat had already left on Thursday and it was pre decided. Virat didn’t take part in the three day intra squad match where India and India A players took part,” the source added.
However, no one at BCCI could corroborate the nature of the issue.
Due to a back injury, Kohli missed a Test match during the previous away series in South Africa.
He will return to the Rainbow Nation on December 24 to participate in pre-match preparation.
After fracturing his finger, Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the two-Test series, which is part of the World Test Championship cycle.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the two-Test series with ring finger fracture,” the source added.
Gaikwad damaged his finger while attempting to take a catch during the second One-Day International against South Africa earlier this week.
