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In the biggest update of the day, star Indian pacer Mohammad Shami has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against South Africa. The Men in Blue will take on the Proteas Men in a two-match Test series in Centurion and Cape Town respectively, starting later this month after the completion of the white-ball leg of the series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, 16th December confirmed on Shami’s withdrawal from the tour as he continues to regain fitness from ankle injury. Earlier the BCCI had named Shami in the Test squad, which was subject to fitness. However, the BCCI on Saturday put the reports to an end said, “Mohd Shami, whose participation in the Test series was subject to fitness has not cleared by the BCCI Medical Team and the fast bowler is ruled out of the two Tests.”
Additionally, the board has named Shreyas Iyer as Shami’s replacement, who will join the Test squad after the conclusion of the first ODI in Johannesburg. “After the conclusion of the first ODI in Johannesburg on 17th December, Mr Shreyas Iyer will join the Test squad to prepare for the Te s t series. He will not be available for the second and third ODI and will take part in the inter-squad game,” BCCI’s statement read.
Deepak Chahar withdraws from ODI series
Just a day ahead of the three-match ODI series against South Africa, Indian bowler Deepak Chahar also withdrew from the tour, owing to a medical emergency in his family. The BCCI confirmed on Deepak Chahar’s decision to pull out of the remainder of the tour, announcing Akash Deep as his replacement.
“Mr Deepak Chahar has informed the BCCI that he will not be available for the upcoming ODI series due to a family medical emergency. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Mr Akash deep as his replacement,” BCCI’s statement read.
India’s updated ODI squad for South Africa series:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C, wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep.