JUST IN: Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of First Test, replacement named

Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the First Test against South Africa, starting on the 5th of January in Cape Town. Dhawan’s injured ankle is the reason he won’t be able to participate in the first test.

Shikhar was seen limping on his way to the airport, with his leg heavily strapped up, and those images had suggested that Dhawan could sit out the first test, which has now been confirmed by the BCCI.

Murali Vijay and KL Rahul will now open the batting for India, but India would desperately miss Dhawan’s explosive batsmanship at the top of the order.

KL Rahul had last night suggested that Dhawan could be the difference between the two sides, as he has the potential to take the game away from the opposition, if he gets going.

Reports suggest that Virat Kohli isn’t very happy with Shikhar Dhawan, as he wasn’t very careful with his body before the all important tour.

The Indian team has already landed in South Africa and are undergoing extensive training sessions in order to get ready for the first Test.

CSA has also approved BCCI’s request to use the centre wicket for practice at the Boland Park.

While Shikhar Dhawan’s injury solves the opening combination headache for Kohli, the number 6 slot headache still persists.

It’ll be interesting to see if India go in with an extra batsman in Rohit Sharma at 6, or opt for Hardik Pandya, so as to provide an extra seaming option.