KS Bharat steps in as Ishan Kishan withdraws from IND vs SA Test Series

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan will be absent from the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, set to commence on December 26th, due to personal reasons. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced KS Bharat as Kishan's replacement for the series.

Kishan, who made his Test debut during the West Indies tour earlier this year, requested release from the Test squad citing personal reasons. KS Bharat, having previously played five Tests, faces the challenge of making a significant impact, particularly with his struggles in the batting department.

Ishan Kishan, who showcased decent glovework and scored 78 runs in the two Tests he played, has been replaced by KS Bharat, who featured in the four-Test series against Australia and the World Test Championship final earlier this year.

Bharat's batting performance in Test cricket has been subpar, managing only 129 runs in five Tests with a highest score of 44. With Rishabh Pant expected to return to the Test side after IPL 2024, Bharat aims to prove himself against South Africa. The Indian squad for the Test series includes notable players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.