IND vs SA, Boxing Day Test: Shardul Thakur Rocked by Gerald Coetzee's Lethal Bouncer - WATCH

As India looked to rebuild their innings in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, Shardul Thakur managed to cop a blow on his head courtesy of a bouncer from the South African all-rounder Gerald Coetzee.

Thakur made his way back into the side replacing Ravindra Jadeja who had missed out on the Test due to a back spasm he picked up recently. The fast-bowling all-rounder came to bat as India was struggling with the bat at 121/6.

Coetzee looked to ask questions of the batter with a barrage of bouncers at the Indian batting unit. During this, Coetzee managed to get one on the forehead of Thakur as physios rushed in to provide some medical attention. Visuals also suggested that he had a bit of swelling in the temple area as well.

The Indian camp will hope that Thakur has not taken too much damage as they will be relying on him to contribute with both bat and ball.

READ MORE: India’s Record in Boxing Day Tests – 17 Played, 10 Losses, 4 Wins

South Africa has been dominant with the ball as their lead pacer, Kagiso Rabada managed to chip in with the key wickets of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer.

Kagiso Rabada eventually managed to get Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur. The latter was dismissed for 24 runs off 33 deliveries to make it a five-wicket haul.

READ MORE: ‘Great Opportunity to Show They’re the Future’: Wasim Jaffer on Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar Ahead of Boxing Day Test vs SA

India is already missing their lead pacer, Mohammed Shami who missed out on the Boxing Day Test after failing to clear the fitness tests by the BCCI Medical Team. It is officially confirmed by the BCCI that the pacer would not take bat in the Test series against South Africa.

India’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna