Star former RCB all-rounder set to replace injured Axar Patel in ongoing IND vs SA T20I series

While the hosts India are leading the five-match T20I series by 2-1 with two matches to go, the Men in Blues have suffered a big blow, as the all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series due to his illness. A former Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder has been added to the Indian squad as a replacement for Axar Patel.

While Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing today in IND vs SA 3rd T20I at Dharamshala?, he missed the third game of the series at Dharamsala on Sunday night (December 14), along with the Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah returned home due to his personal issue, Axar missed the game due to his illness.

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Axar Patel ruled out of remainder of T20I series against South Africa

Later, on Monday (December 15), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Axar would miss the remaining two matches of the series due to illness. However, the all-rounder is with the team in Lucknow, where they will play the fourth game of the series on Wednesday night (December 17).  

BCCI stated, "Team India allrounder, Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remaining two IDFC First Bank T20Is against South Africa due to illness. However, he is with the team in Lucknow where he will be further medically assessed."

Shahbaz Ahmed replaces Axar Patel

The 31-year-old Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed has earned the national team call-up as a replacement for Axar Patel. Shahbaz is also a left-arm spinner and left-handed batter, which makes him a like-for-like replacement for Axar Patel. Shahbaz has played three ODIs and two T20Is for India, last played in October 2023. He represented the Indian T20I team during the Asian Games 2023. Meanwhile, he played his last ODI in December 2022, when India toured Bangladesh. 

Shahbaz Ahmed currently serves for the IPL team Lucknow Super Giants. Previously, he served for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for four seasons and the SunRisers Hyderabad for one season. 

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the last game of the T20I series on Friday night (December 19).