Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj ruled out of the final Test due to shoulder injury

South Africa’s premier spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the final game of the Test series in Ranchi. Left-arm orthodox spinner suffered a shoulder injury during the second game of the series played in Pune. George Linde has been named as a replacement for Maharaj for the upcoming third Test that will be played on 19^th October in Ranchi.

Maharaj sustained the injury while fielding on the second day of the second Test played in Pune. After a thorough examination through MRI it was revealed that he will not be fit for the final game of the series. With the series already lost, Maharaj injury is a big setback for South Africa, who failed to put up a strong fight with bat and ball against India.

Tail-ender Keshav Maharaj showed guts and resilience with the bat and scored 72 runs to help South Africa post a respectable score in their first innings. With the side reeling at 162 for 8, Maharaj put on a 109-run partnership with Vernon Philander to see South Africa post 275 runs in their first innings. In the second innings, he contributed with 22 runs.

A further examination revealed that Keshav Maharaj has suffered an injury to a muscle in his shoulder. He showed a lot of discomfort after going through fitness Test.

South Africa Team Doctor, Ramjee Hashendra said that based on the thorough assessment, the medical staff believes that Maharaj will not recover in time for the final Test that starts in a week’s time. The nature and extent is such that it will take him atleast three weeks to regain full fitness. Off-spinner Dane Piedt might come in place of injured Keshav Maharaj in the playing XI.

The visitors will be looking to do well in the third and final game of the Test series that starts from Saturday in Ranchi.