All rounder Ravindra Jadeja, for the team Indian, appears a doubtful starter for the opening Test against South Africa starting on January 5 in Cape Town after being diagnosed with a viral illness. Jadeja will undergo treatment at a hospital, announced the BCCI on Wednesday (January 3), while adding that he is expected to recover fully in the next 48 hours. However, a decision on his availability would only be taken on the morning of the match.

"The BCCI Medical Team has been monitoring him and is also in touch with the local medical team in Cape Town. The BCCI Medical Team in consultation with the local medical team has decided that Jadeja will be taken to a hospital for treatment and expects him to fully recover in the next 48 hours. A decision on his availability for selection for the opening Test against South Africa will be taken on the morning of the match," the BCCI release stated.

While Jadeja's illness has meant that India could be left with a lone spinner in R Ashwin for the first Test, their batting has received a boost as left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan has been declared fit and is available for selection. Dhawan, who had suffered a minor ankle injury before the Indian team's departure to South Africa, batted for more than 20 minutes during the practice session on Wednesday.