India’s ace all-rounder Axar Patel will not feature in the remaining matches of the ongoing T20I series against South Africa after being sidelined due to illness, dealing a late setback to the Indian camp as the series heads into its final phase, with Axar Patel ruled out of South Africa T20Is.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as Axar’s replacement for the fourth and fifth T20Is, scheduled to be played in Lucknow on December 17 and Ahmedabad on December 19. The move comes at a crucial juncture, with India currently leading the five-match series 2-1 following a dominant win in the third T20I at Dharamsala.
Axar Patel had featured in the first two matches of the series and made notable contributions in both departments. The left-arm spinner picked up three wickets across the two games and chipped in with valuable lower-order runs, scoring 23 and 21 respectively. His absence means India will miss a reliable spin-bowling all-rounder as they look to seal the series, making Axar Patel ruled out of South Africa T20Is a significant talking point.
Shahbaz Ahmed, who replaces Axar in the squad, has limited experience at the international level. The Bengal all-rounder has played two T20Is so far, both in 2023, against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Known for his accurate left-arm spin and handy batting abilities, Shahbaz will be keen to make an impression if given an opportunity, especially with Axar Patel ruled out of South Africa T20Is opening up a spot in the playing XI.
India’s strong performance in the third T20I has already put the hosts in a commanding position. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the team will aim to maintain momentum in the final two matches and test bench strength ahead of future white-ball assignments.
The Indian squad for the last two T20Is includes Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Shahbaz Ahmed. Fans can also follow official team updates via the BCCI’s YouTube channel.
With Axar Patel ruled out of South Africa T20Is, all eyes will now be on how India’s combination adapts in the absence of one of its most dependable all-rounders.
FAQs
Q: Why is Axar Patel not playing the remaining T20Is against South Africa?
A: Axar Patel has been ruled out due to illness, leading to Axar Patel ruled out of South Africa T20Is for the final two matches.
Q: Who has replaced Axar Patel in the Indian squad?
A: Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as Axar Patel’s replacement after Axar Patel ruled out of South Africa T20Is.
Q: How did Axar Patel perform in the series before being ruled out?
A: Axar took three wickets and scored 23 and 21 in the first two T20Is before being sidelined.
Q: What is India’s current status in the T20I series?
A: India are leading the five-match series 2-1 after a comprehensive win in Dharamsala.
