.svg)
Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Axar ruled out of last 2 SA T20Is; Shahbaz Ahmed in
- 2🏆 India leads 2-1 despite Axar, Bumrah absences
- 3💡 Shahbaz last played for India in Asian Games 2023
- 4🔮 Lucknow T20I on Dec 17 key to series sweep
"Shahbaz Ahmed has been announced as a like-for-like replacement for Axar"
Axar Patel is out of India's remaining SA T20Is with illness, handing a golden chance to replacement Shahbaz Ahmed. The left-arm allrounder missed the third game in Dharamsala, and BCCI confirms further checks in Lucknow ahead of the December 17 clash.
Shahbaz Steps Up for Men in Blue
Shahbaz Ahmed, last seen in Asian Games 2023, slots in as like-for-like cover for the 31-year-old Axar. India clinched a comfy third T20I win sans Axar and pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, who's home for personal reasons with availability foggy for the last two games. Leading 2-1, the Men in Blue eye series glory in Lucknow and Ahmedabad on December 19.
Axar's absence tests squad depth, but Shahbaz brings T20 flair from domestic circuits. Fans recall his clutch knocks—can he spark like Axar in pressure chases? With Bumrah's workload managed, India's bowling hinges on the bench strength.
Related Stories
