Indian Cricket Board reveals reason behind Ruturaj Gaikwad’s missing 2nd T20I vs South Africa

After the washout in Durban, the second T20I began on time. Ruturaj Gaikwad was a notable absentee from the Indian team in Gqeberha. The game against South Africa gives India a great chance to prepare for the T20 World Cup in 2024.

Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl first as huge clouds covered both teams. The only notable absentee for the home team was veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj. South Africa had gone with Tabraiz Shamsi who was the lone spinner in the game.

India on the other hand surprised everyone by benching three big players. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan who weren’t included in the playing XI. In-form opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad too wasn’t included in the final squad.

Indian Cricket Board explains Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence –

Cricket fans across India were surprised to spot Ruturaj Gaikwad not included in the playing XI on Tuesday. The 26-year-old was in prime form with the bat in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia.

The Indian Cricket Board stated that “Ruturaj Gaikwad was unavailable for the 2^nd T20I against South Africa due to illness”. There has been a lot of torrential downpours in South Africa since the India team’s landing in the country.

Put into bat first, India was reduced to 6/2 in the 2^nd over of the day. Yashasvi Jaiswal was out with zero when he drove loosely only to be caught by David Miller off Marco Jansen’s bowling.

Shubman Gill’s comeback to the Indian team ended with him being out for a 2^nd ball duck. Lizaad Williams swung the ball in, Gill missed the line and was trapped LBW in front of the wicket.

Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav joined forces to add 49 runs for the third wicket. Both the batters took on the South Africa bowlers to help India score 10 runs per over. Just when Varma seemed to be all set, he was out while going for an uppercut.

Gerald Coetzee got the big wicket of Tilak Varma for 29 runs as he was caught by Marco Jansen. India at the end of six overs was at 59 with Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav in the middle.