South Africa's pace sensation, Gerald Coetzee, has been ruled out of the upcoming Test against India due to pelvic inflammation, as confirmed by Cricket South Africa. This setback follows South Africa's dominating victory over India in the first Test at Centurion. Coetzee, who managed just one wicket in the first innings, played a limited role in the second innings.

Cricket South Africa opted not to name a substitute for Coetzee, relying on alternative fast bowling choices within the squad, including Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder. Keshav Maharaj, initially omitted for the first Test, is also a potential inclusion. Captain Temba Bavuma's absence due to a hamstring injury compounds South Africa's challenges.

Dean Elgar, set to retire after the final Test, will lead the Proteas in Johannesburg. Coetzee, a standout performer in South Africa's ODI World Cup campaign in India, recently secured a lucrative IPL contract with the Mumbai Indians. His absence adds to South Africa's injury concerns, presenting India with an opportunity to avoid a series defeat in the final Test starting on January 3 in Cape Town.