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While there were reports which had already suggested that star South African cricketer Quinton de Kock might miss either the second or the third Test match of the three-match series, it has now been confirmed that he will not play a part in both of them. De Kock and his wife are expecting the birth of a baby and the cricketer has taken a paternity leave during this time.
De Kock is currently part of the South Africa's playing XI in the ongoing Boxing day Test in Centurion where South Africa have their backs against the wall, having conceded a 130-run lead in the first innings. Followed by the Boxing Day Test, the New Year Test of the series will be played in Johannesburg from January 3 while the final Test will commence on January 11 in Cape Town.
In De Kock's absence, either Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton will get an opportunity to feature in the XI but who gets the final nod will be a call for the team management to make. Irrespective of whoever, De Kock's shoes will be huge on to fill not only as a keeper but as a batter who has scored lots of runs, especially against India.
Rishabh Pant goes past MS Dhoni to achieve this milestone
As far as wicketkeepers are concerned, India's wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant achieved a milestone with the gloves behind the stumps when he surpassed MS Dhoni. Pant became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to register 100 Test dismissals. He achieved the feat when he was involved in the dismissal of South Africa's Temba Bavuma. While the Delhi Capitals captain reached the figure in 26th Test, Dhoni had done the same in his 36th Test match.
It is De Kock who leads this list as well, having reached the 100 dismissal mark in just 22 Test matches. Meanwhile, Pant happens to be the sixth Indian wicketkeeper on the list to reach the three-figure mark, in terms of dismissal. Only Dhoni, Syed Kirmani, Kiran More, Nayan Mongia and Wriddhiman Saha have recorded 100 or more dismissals as stumper before him.
However, Dhoni still has owns the record for the most dismissals by an Indian keeper with his number standing at 294.