NEW DELHI: In a massive blow to South Africa, skipper
Faf du Plessis was on Friday ruled out of the ongoing One-Day International series and the upcoming Twenty20 International series against India due to a finger injury. Proteas had earlier lost batting mainstay AB de Villiers for the first three ODIs, also due to a finger injury sustained during the third Test at Wanderers.
Du Plessis injured his right index finger during the first ODI at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday, with further assessment and investigation revealing a fracture which will require 3-6 weeks to heal.
ALSO READ: First match win will give us momentum: Kohli Du Plessis will undergo a period of rest and rehabilitation with the aim of getting fit for the first Test against Australia, which will start in Durban on March 1.
The selectors have included
Farhaan Behardien as Du Plessis' replacement, with Multiply Titans wicket-keeper batsman,
Heinrich Klaasen, earning his maiden ODI call-up as a reserve wicket-keeper in the squad.
ALSO READ: Kohli ton helps India to six-wicket win in Durban The South Africa captain for the remainder of the ODI series will be announced on Saturday.
South Africa lost the first ODI in Durban on Thursday and trailed the six-match series 0-1, in spite of a fighting 120 from Du Plessis.
Virat Kohli scored his 33rd ODI hundred to lead India to a six-wicket win.