New Delhi: South Africa suffered a double blow on Sunday. Firstly, they coped with an innings and 137 runs defeat in the second Test of the three-match Freedom series and then their spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out from the remaining series due to shoulder injury.
In the process, they have also lost the series 2-0 with the third and final Test in Ranchi will start on October 19.
This is South Africa's first innings defeat since losing by an innings and 57 runs against India in Kolkata in February 2010.
Maharaj will be replaced by George Linde, who is yet to make his debut in the longest format of the game.
Maharaj, 29, had injured his right shoulder while fielding during Day 2 of the second test at Pune. However, batted in both innings for the Proteas and also scored his maiden half-century in the first innings.
"An MRI scan revealed that Keshav has sustained an injury to a muscle in his right shoulder which was strapped in order for him to bat yesterday. He was re-assessed this morning, particularly with regards to bowling, and he showed significant discomfort in this latter discipline," South Africa team doctor Ramjee Hashendra said in a statement.
"The nature and extent of the injury would mean that he will probably return to play in 14 to 21 days based on his progress during the rehabilitation phase," it added.
India outplayed the visitors by an innings and 137 runs in the second test to clinch the rubber with a match to go.
