New Delhi, Dec 15: India suffered a setback ahead of the concluding phase of the T20 International series against South Africa as all-rounder Axar Patel was ruled out of the remaining two matches due to illness, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday.
Axar, who has been an integral part of India’s white-ball setup with his all-round abilities, was unavailable for the third T20I in Dharamsala on Sunday, where wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was drafted into the playing XI.
Despite his absence, India registered a seven-wicket victory in a low-scoring encounter to take a 2–1 lead in the five-match series.
The BCCI said Axar remains with the squad in Lucknow, where the fourth T20I will be played on Wednesday, but will undergo further medical assessment.
With his condition ruling him out of competitive action for the remainder of the series, the national selection committee has opted to include Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement.
“Team India all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remaining two IDFC First Bank T20Is against South Africa due to illness,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in an official statement.
“However, he is with the team in Lucknow where he will be further medically assessed.
The Men’s Selection Committee has named Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement for the T20Is in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.”
The final two matches of the series are scheduled to be played in Lucknow on Wednesday and Ahmedabad on Friday, with India aiming to seal the series after taking a crucial lead in Dharamsala.
Shahbaz Ahmed, 31, brings valuable all-round depth to the squad.
A left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batter, Shahbaz has previously represented India in two T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals, claiming five wickets across formats.
Shahbaz Ahmed’s inclusion comes on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket this season, particularly in the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he impressed with both bat and ball.
Axar’s absence leaves India without a like-for-like option, given his ability to control the middle overs while contributing crucial runs down the order.
India’s updated squad for the final two T20Is against South Africa is as follows: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Ahmed. (PTI)
