Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the forthcoming Test series versus South Africa due to a hamstring injury, as confirmed by the BCCI. Rohit picked up an injury during a training session at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.
'India Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday. He has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. Priyank Panchal will replace Rohit Sharma in the Test squad,' read the BCCI statement.
The first Test of the three-match series will begin in Centurion on 27 December. Rohit was earlier named deputy for Virat Kohli in the Test series as well as the captain in both ODIs and T20Is. At this point there is no clarity over his participation in the ODI series, beginning from 19 January.
While the rest of the South Africa-bound players have already assembled at a hotel in Mumbai, Rohit hasn't checked in yet. The Indian contingent will depart on 16 December.
Priyank Panchal is likely to be included in the main squad as a replacement. Panchal led India A in three unofficial Tests against South Africa A, and amassed 120 runs.