Xtra Time Web Desk: Rishabh Pant led Indian team reached Rajkot for the fourth T20I on Wednesday evening. The Saurashtra Cricket Association made a special arrangement for the teams arrival in the city. There were hoardings on the road from the airport to the team hotel with the photos of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Dinesh Karthik and other Indian cricketers. The players of both teams were given a traditional welcome at the team hotel. Flowers were showered on the players as they entered the hotel.
Like in Cuttack and Vizag, there were huge crowds welcoming the team at the airport, including fans and media. The players of both teams took a day off from the hectic schedule. They will train on Thursday at the SCA Stadium. Proteas will train from 1 pm while Indians will have an optional practice session under the lights.
Meanwhile Proteas batter, Aiden Markram, has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour to India. He spent seven days in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 last week and will not be able to complete his return to play in time to take part in the remainder of the T20 series. Markram has been cleared to return home to also look after his mental and emotional wellbeing after isolation in a local facility.
Proteas wicket keeper batter Quinton de Kock, has made a marked improvement in his recovery from a wrist injury. The Proteas’ medical staff will continue to assess his progress and make a decision on his availability for fourth T20I in due course.
The visitors lead the five match T20I series 2-1