Experienced left-arm spinner of South Africa Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the third and final Test against India in Ranchi which is all set to begin on October 19. Maharaj, who has played a great knock with the bat in the series than with the ball, will be replaced by another left-arm spinner George Linde for the final Test in Ranchi, Cricket South Africa confirmed the news on Sunday.

He had sustained an injury in his right shoulder while fielding during the second day of the second Test but Maharaj however, later scored his maiden Test half-century on the third day (72 off 132 balls, 12 fours) with the injured shoulder strapped. A reassessment before the start of the game on the fourth day along with MRI results has revealed that he will not be fit in time to feature in the final Test match.

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Ramjee Hashendra, the team doctor said, “An MRI showed that Keshav has sustained an injury to a muscle in his right shoulder which was strapped in order for him to bat yesterday.”

“He was reassessed this morning particularly with regards to bowling and showed significant discomfort during bowling. Based on this morning’s assessment and the findings of the MRI, the medical team feels that he will not be fit in time for the next Test match in six days’ time. The nature and extent of the injury would mean that he will probably return to play in 14 to 21 days based on his progress during the rehabilitation phase,” he added.

However, Keshav Maharaj along with Vernon Philander stitched a 100-run stand in the first innings. India now have won the three-match series 2-0 and South Africa will be looking to finish their tour on a high note with a victory in Ranchi.