Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Axar Patel Out, Shahbaz Ahmed In for India vs South Africa T20Is
Axar Patel, an important player for the Indian cricket team, had to leave the team for the last two matches against South Africa because he is sick.
The team has brought in Shahbaz Ahmed to play instead of Axar.
India is currently winning the series 2-1.
The next match is in Lucknow on Wednesday, and the last match will be in Ahmedabad.
Shahbaz has played for India before in a few matches.
The team hopes to win the series with these two matches, but South Africa has a chance to come back if they win both remaining matches.
Axar Patel ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against South Africa due to illness.
Shahbaz Ahmed added to the Indian squad as a replacement for Axar Patel.
India currently leads the series 2-1.
Next match is in Lucknow on December 17, final match in Ahmedabad on December 19.
Shahbaz Ahmed has previous international experience, including two T20Is in 2023.
- Who
- Axar Patel, Shahbaz Ahmed, Indian cricket team, South African cricket team
- What
- Axar Patel ruled out due to illness, Shahbaz Ahmed added as replacement
- When
- Announced on Monday, December 15; remaining matches on December 17 and December 19
- Where
- India, with matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad
- Why
- Axar Patel is unfit due to illness, Shahbaz Ahmed is a like-for-like replacement
India's Series Advantage
South Africa's Comeback Potential
Series Lead
India's Series Advantage
India leads the series 2-1 and is in a strong position to win.
South Africa's Comeback Potential
South Africa has the chance to level the series with two consecutive wins.
- Player Out
- Axar Patel
- Reason
- Illness
- Player In
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Matches Remaining
- 2
- Current Series Standings
- India leads 2-1
- Next Match
- Lucknow, Wednesday, December 17
- Final Match
- Ahmedabad, Narendra Modi Stadium, December 19
Sources
Axar Patel ruled out of remainder of India vs South Africa T20Is, Shahbaz Ahmed added to squad
Will Jasprit Bumrah Play 4th T20I Against South Africa? BCCI Official Gives Big Update
IND vs SA: Axar Patel ruled out of remaining T20I series; BCCI names THIS player as replacement
