The BCCI medical team ruled Ruturaj out of the tour following an expert consultation. The 26-year-old right-handed batsman sustained an injury during the ODI series against South Africa, leading to his exclusion from the Test squad. Subsequently, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as Gaikwad’s replacement.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, the Bengal batter, has consistently impressed in the domestic circuit, earning him consideration for the national team. The Indian Test squad has undergone recent changes, with key players like Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan ruled out due to injury and personal reasons, respectively. As the team readies for the South Africa series, the adjustments pose challenges and opportunities.