Cape Town: The Indian team received a huge blow ahead of the first Test against South Africa after ace off-spinner Ravindra Jadeja suffered from viral illness, making his availability uncertain for the match.
A BCCI media release stated that Jadeja was unwell for the past two days and was monitored by the board’s medical staff constantly. But the staff decided to admit him to a hospital since there wasn’t any improvement in his condition. Although he is expected to be fit in 48 hours time, his participation in the first Test on January 5 remains doubtful.
“The BCCI Medical Team in consultation with the local medical team has decided that Jadeja will be taken to a hospital for treatment and expects him to fully recover in the next 48 hrs. A decision on his availability for selection for the opening Test against South Africa will be taken on the morning of the match i.e. 5th January 2018,” the release said.
Skipper Virat Kohli had earlier made it clear that they might have to go into the match with just one spinner according to the conditions and going by Jadeja’s health condition, it is more likely that Ravichandran Ashwin would grab that spot in the playing XI. Nonetheless, a final call on the left-arm spinner’s availability would be taken on January 5.
On the other hand, left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan who had been suffering from a minor ankle injury before the team left for South Africa has recovered and had a good time out during the team’s training session.
The BCCI release further stated, “India opener Shikhar Dhawan is fit and is available for selection for the first Test. Dhawan had suffered a minor ankle injury before the team’s departure to South Africa.”