IND vs SA: Massive Blow For South Africa As Gerald Coetzee Gets Ruled Out Of 2nd Test vs India

South Africa pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against India as he developed a pelvic inflammation after bowling in the first Test. He picked up only one wicket in the first innings and bowled just five overs in the second innings. Gerald Coetzee could be either replaced by Lungi Ngidi or Wiaan Mulder in the XI as the Proteas have not announced any specific replacement for Coetzee.

South Africa hammered India in the first Test as the hosts won the match by an innings and 32 runs. Dean Elgar was awarded the Player Of The Match for his terrific 185. KL Rahul was the best performer for India scoring 101 in the first innings. The wait for India to win a Test series in South Africa continues as this series now can only end up being levelled or South Africa taking the series away.

Keshav Maharaj is another option for South Africa who can replace Gerald Coetzee in the playing XI as Maharaj was not included in the Centurion Test. The second Test will commence on January 3 at the Newlands in Cape Town and India hopes to get a victory to level the series and ensure a better position in the WTC table. Currently, India is sixth in the points table with a PCT of just 38.89 while South Africa tops the chart with a PCT of 100.

The injury of Gerald Coetzee could be a big blow for South Africa as he has been one of the most successful bowlers for South Africa in recent times. He was South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as he took 20 wickets in just eight games. Gerald Coetzee has played three Tests, 14 ODIs and Four T20Is for South Africa.

South Africa Are Favourites To Win The Series Against India

With only two possible outcomes of the series being levelled or the Proteas winning it, the latter has a higher probability as South Africa will win the series even if the second Test ends in a draw. However, they would like to defeat India to do a whitewash and establish themselves as the table toppers in the WTC points table. The Proteas have never lost a Test series against India at home.

Fans had high hopes for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team but unfortunately, India failed to deliver at the right time allowing the Proteas to capitalise on their home turf. The Second Test will be disaster management for the Indian team because a loss will further push them down on the WTC table. They have reached the WTC finals in two consecutive cycles and will hope to do the same but with just a PCT of 38.89, they can’t expect to reach the finals.

India and South Africa will clash at the Newlands in Cape Town for the Second Test of the ongoing Test series between the two nations. India will hope to get themselves back on track and get a win against the Proteas as a series defeat by 2-0 will hamper their chances of reaching the finals of the World Test Championship