Why is Virat Kohli not playing today's India vs South Africa Test?
In a shocking blow to India, skipper Virat Kohli will not play in the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
The vice-captain for the tour KL Rahul, who walked out for the toss wearing India's blue blazer for the first time, revealed that Kohli was down with a "back spasm." Rahul said the team physios are working with the 33-year-old and the team is hoping for him to be back for the third Test, which will begin on January 11.
Rahul said:
"Unfortunately, Virat has had an upper back spasm. The physios are on him. Hopefully, he'll recover for the next Test."
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Kohli has talked about his back troubles in the past but this is the first time in recent memory that it has ruled him out of a Test. It's a massive blow to the visitors because Kohli has a stunning record at the Wanderers Stadium. In four innings here, he has 310 runs at an average of 77.50, including a hundred and two fifties.
Who has replaced Virat Kohli in India's 11 for the 2nd Test?
Toss Update - KL Rahul has won the toss and elects to bat first in the 2nd Test.
Captain Virat Kohli misses out with an upper back spasm.
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Hanuma Vihari, who has been on the fringes of getting a call-up, replaced Kohli in the playing 11 for the second Test. Vihari last played for India during the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, where he soldiered through a torn hamstring and helped save the Sydney Test with a valiant knock.
He was excluded from India's last series against New Zealand and sent to an India 'A' tour of South Africa 'A', where he returned as the top-scorer with 227 runs at 75.66. Vihari getting the nod over Shreyas Iyer, who was brilliant on debut against New Zealand, might raise some eyebrows.
But it looks like a tactical move considering Vihari's experience in the pacy and bouncy conditions and his part-time off-spin that could come in handy on the final two days. This is the only change for India. Rahul won the toss and elected to bat first.