Team India have suffered a major setback ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa, with all-rounder Axar Patel ruled out of the remainder of the five-match series due to illness.
The development was officially confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
🚑 Axar Patel Out of Series
Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, the 31-year-old Axar Patel featured in the first two T20Is, where he:
Scored 44 runs
Picked up three wickets
Axar missed the third T20I due to illness and has now been ruled out of the fourth and fifth matches as well. He is currently with the team in Lucknow, where he will undergo further medical evaluation.
🔁 Shahbaz Ahmed Gets Opportunity
The selection committee has named Shahbaz Ahmed as Axar Patel’s replacement for the remaining matches.
Shahbaz’s ability to contribute with both bat and spin bowling could prove valuable as India look to maintain team balance against a strong South African side.
📅 Match Schedule
4th T20I: December 17 – Lucknow
5th T20I: December 19 – Ahmedabad
📊 India’s Position in the Series
India produced a dominant performance in the third T20I to take a 2–1 lead in the series.
Jasprit Bumrah missed the third match due to personal reasons
The pacer is expected to return for the remaining games
While Axar’s absence may impact India’s balance, it also opens the door for fresh talent to make an impression.
🇮🇳 India Squad vs South Africa
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed
