IND vs SA 1st Test: Why Ravindra Jadeja is not playing in Centurion?

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India's upcoming Test adventure in South Africa has taken a hit as Ravindra Jadeja is ruled out from the first Test in Centurion, which has started today.

India are up against the Proteas in a two-match Test series and will be hoping to consolidate on their WTC points tally. It is also an opportunity for Rohit Sharma and his troops to win their first-ever Test series in South Africa.

But captain Rohit Sharma confirmed on the Toss that India will miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja. Ravichandran Ashwin has replaced the left-arm spinner in the squad, while Prasidh Krishna is also handed his Test debut.

IND vs SA: Why Ravindra Jadeja is not playing?

Ravindra Jadeja is not playing in the first match as the player is struggling with a back spasm. Captain Rohit Sharma said it during the toss that the player suddenly woke up with a spasm and thus was unable to take part in the first Test.

"Ashwin is playing in place of Jadeja. Jaddu had a bit of a back spasm, so Ashwin comes in and he is a quality spinner to have. Prasidh is making his debut, along with the other pacers Shardul, Siraj and Bumrah," Rohit said during the Toss.

Although Jadeja is out with back spasm, two Indian players are back in the Test squad after successfully recovering from back issues. Both Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah had a long lay-off due to back injuries, but both players are back in the starting XI of the Centurion Test.

India have also handed a Test debut to Prasidh Krishna, who is going to be the fourth pacer in the match.