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Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India star batter Virat Kohli has rejoined the squad in Centurion ahead of the first Test against South Africa on December 26. Kohli also present at the training session of the Indian cricket team at Super Sport Park on Sunday. He was seen batting in the nets as well.

Kohli, who recently visited London, had planned the trip in advance, dispelling rumours of a sudden family emergency. Kohli did not participate in the three-day intra-squad game in Pretoria. Kohli had trained with the team for three days in South Africa before departing for London on December 19 and has now rejoined the squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

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Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management were informed of Kohli's travel plans, and he was never slated to participate in the inter-squad game in Pretoria from December 20 to December 22. A senior BCCI official emphasized Kohli's meticulous planning, stating that his London trip was communicated well in advance.

Rohit Sharma-led Indian team will undergo morning and afternoon training sessions on December 24 and 25, respectively, before the opening Test. After the first Test, the team will depart for Cape Town on December 31 to prepare for the second Test at Newlands starting on January 3.

Notably, India will be without Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the series due to fitness concerns, a requested break, and a finger injury, respectively. KS Bharat and Abhimanyu Easwaran have replaced Kishan and Gaikwad in the Test squad, with no replacement named for Shami.

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