Axar Patel Ruled Out of IND vs SA T20Is Due to Illness: Shahbaz Ahmed Replaces Him

Cricket fans woke up to the news that Axar Patel was ruled out of the IND vs SA T20Is, raising concerns about India’s team balance. The all-rounder fell ill on the eve of the crucial fourth T20I, prompting selectors to name a replacement.

South Africa’s tour is at a tipping point, with the series poised 2-1, and supporters want to know who will fill Axar’s boots and how it might affect the India vs South Africa 4th T20I match. This article examines Patel’s illness, the new call-up, and its implications for the remaining games.

Axar Patel Ruled Out of T20I Series: What Happened

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Axar Patel has been ruled out of the IND vs SA T20Is because he is unwell. In its brief release, the board said that he remains with the team in Lucknow for further medical assessment. While Axar Patel illness has not been disclosed, prompting speculation that his symptoms were more serious than a minor cold. 

But, he had already missed the third match in Dharamsala due to illness. His injury news surfaced at an awkward time, especially when he had taken two wickets for seven runs in the opening game and scored 23 and 21 in the first two matches. 

Following the India vs South Africa cricket known that he rarely sits out, so there is genuine concern about his health and readiness for future tours.

However, with the India vs South Africa T20I series nearing the end, the 4th match will be held in Lucknow on December 17, with India leading the five-match series by 2-1. 

Similarly, with Axar being ruled out of IND vs SA T20Is, every over counts, and this means the middle overs will look very different against a Proteas batting line-up, who are eager to level the series. Supporters are whispering: without Axar, will India’s bowling plan wobble in the gripping 4th IND vs SA T20I match?

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Shahbaz Ahmed Replaces Axar Patel

As per the BCCI team news, the selectors picked Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed to fill the slot, who has played three ODIs and two T20Is for India, most recently in the 2023 Asian Games final. In the current domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 60 runs in five games at a strike-rate of 133.33 and took 4 wickets at an economy of 8.25. 

Those numbers are tidy but hardly spectacular. Despite Patel being ruled out of IND vs SA T20Is, his ability to bowl left-arm spin and bat in the lower middle order offers like-for-like cover. His call-up also highlights the depth of India’s bench, giving the team another chance to test potential options ahead of bigger tournaments.

India Squad Update: Who’s In, Who’s Out

With Axar ruled out of IND vs SA T20Is, India named a revised squad for the final two games. Here’s what the lineup looks like:

This squad change for the T20I clash underscores the depth of batting and bowling resources, though fans will miss Axar’s versatility.

India vs South Africa T20I Series: What’s at Stake

India is ahead 2-1 after a seven-wicket win in Dharamsala, thanks largely to seamers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Here is the brief summary of the three IND vs SA T20Is matches:

With two games left, the fourth in Lucknow and the fifth in Ahmedabad, South Africa still has a chance to claw back. However, Patel getting ruled out of IND vs SA T20Is adds an element of unpredictability that pundits are loving. 

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