Shahbaz Ahmed Steps In for Injured Axar Patel in IND vs SA T20I Clash

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been sidelined from the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa due to illness, as reported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday. Axar was absent from the third match on Sunday and will remain with the team in Lucknow to undergo further medical evaluations.

In his two appearances, Axar accumulated 44 runs with a strike rate of 104.76 and claimed three wickets. During the second T20I, he was elevated to the No. 3 position, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, and scored 21 runs off as many balls.

The decision to promote Axar faced criticism directed at head coach Gautam Gambhir and Axar, especially as India suffered a 51-run defeat in that match.

Shahbaz Ahmed has been chosen to replace Axar for the concluding two matches of the five-game series, which currently sees India in a 2-1 lead. The last two matches are scheduled to be held in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

Jasprit Bumrah, who also missed the third T20I, continues to be part of the squad for the remaining series.

Published on December 15, 2025.