AB de Villiers Ruled Out of India T20Is Due to Knee Injury

AB De Villiers also didn’t play the first three matches of the six-match ODI series against India

File picture of AB De Villiers. 

(Photo: Reuters)

South Africa’s injury woes continue as their star batsman AB de Villiers has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against India due to a knee injury, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Sunday.

The 34-year-old South African batsman suffered a blow to the knee a day before the fifth ODI against India but played in the two remaining matches of the series, which India won 5-1.

Dr Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa's team manager said the injury had “worsened significantly” since then and keeping in mind the upcoming Test series at home against Australia, giving the batsman rest was the plan.

“AB de Villiers will not be able to take part in the T20 International series against India due to a left knee injury,” said Moosajee in a statement. “He suffered a blow to the knee while batting ahead of the fifth ODI, and although he passed a fitness test on Friday, the injury worsened significantly throughout the match.

“The Cricket South Africa medical team has advised he is given a period of rest and rehabilitation to make a full recovery ahead of the four-match series against Australia starting next month.”