Batsman Rohit Sharma has been included as a cover for VVS Laxman for the first Test against South Africa scheduled to begin on February 6 in Nagpur.

It is uncertain whether V. V. S. Laxman will be able to play the match, as he suffered an injury on his left hand during the first Test against Bangladesh at Chittagong in January.

Laxman appeared for the training secession and practiced batting however his name did not appear for the catching practice secession indicating that the injury has not healed completely. Rohit also took part in the training secession.

The team management did not want to take any chances and hence decided to call in Rohit. The Board of Control for Cricket in India did not comment on Rohit being called in as cover for Laxman.

Rohit has captained Board President's XI in tour game against South Africa and was also part of the Test squad on India's tour of Sri Lanka in 2008; however, he did not get a chance to play.

Other players including Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh and Sreesanth were ruled out of the series because of injuries suffered by them.