The BCCI announced on Monday (December 15) that India all-rounder Axar Patel will not play in the final two Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa. Due to illness, Axar Patel was unable to play in the third Twenty20 International in Dharamsala. The BCCI also disclosed that Axar, along with the rest of the team, will undergo additional evaluation in Lucknow.
Shahbaz Ahmed has been chosen by the selection committee as a like-for-like replacement. The 31-year-old has already participated in five international games for India, most recently in October 2023 during the Asian Games.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace leader, was also missing for the third match. It’s still not known. If the fast bowler would be available for the remaining two games because he had to return home for personal reasons.
India easily won the third Twenty20 International to grab a 2-1 series lead despite their absences. The series finale will take place in Ahmedabad on December 19. With the following match taking place in Lucknow on December 17.
