IND vs SA T20 Series: Axar Patel ruled out of last two matches due to this reason, who takes his place?
Team India's Axar Patel has been ruled out of the last two matches of the T20 series against South Africa. He was also unable to play in the third match of the series due to illness. The BCCI has included left-arm spin all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed in the squad as his replacement.
Shahbaz Ahmed in the Indian team after a gap of two years
Shahbaz made his debut in 2022. Shahbaz Ahmed has been included in the Indian team after a gap of two years as he last played for Team India in 2023. He made his ODI debut against South Africa in 2022. He played his last ODI against Bangladesh in the same year. Then, in October 2023, he also got the opportunity to make his T20 debut at the Asian Games. He played two matches, taking two wickets and helping Team India become champions.
Bumrah's participation is also uncertain
Jasprit Bumrah's participation is also uncertain. It's unlikely that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will play in the last two T20 matches. He had returned home before the third match due to family reasons. Harshit Rana was included in the playing XI in his place and took two wickets. If Bumrah doesn't return, Harshit might play in the remaining two matches as well.
Axar currently with the team in Lucknow
Axar is currently with the team in Lucknow. The BCCI stated that Axar has been rested from the squad, but he is currently with the other players in Lucknow. He is under the supervision of the medical team there. The fourth T20 will be played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. In the first two matches of the series, Axar scored 44 runs with the bat and took 3 wickets with the ball.
The fourth T20 match against South Africa will be played on December 17 and the fifth on December 19. Team India currently leads the series 2-1 after winning two matches. South Africa won the Test series 2-0, while India won the ODI series 2-1.