Axar Patel Ruled Out of Remaining IND vs SA T20I Series Due to Illness – Shahbaz Ahmed Steps In as Replacement

Team India has suffered a blow with star all-rounder Axar Patel being ruled out of the final two T20Is against South Africa due to illness. The BCCI announced on December 15, 2025, that Bengal’s versatile spinner Shahbaz Ahmed has been called up as his replacement.

India currently hold a 2-1 lead in the five-match series after a commanding win in the third T20I in Dharamsala, where Axar was already absent.

Key Updates on Axar Patel’s Exclusion

• Cause: Illness (Axar also missed the third T20I for the same reason)
• Replacement: Shahbaz Ahmed, offering similar left-arm spin and batting depth
• Axar’s Contribution So Far: Featured in the first two matches – 44 runs and 3 wickets
• Series Status: India 2-1 South Africa

Axar remains with the squad in Lucknow for medical evaluation but won’t take part in the upcoming games.

Remaining Matches in IND vs SA T20I Series

• 4th T20I: December 17, 2025 – Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• 5th T20I: December 19, 2025 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Under skipper Suryakumar Yadav, India need just one more victory to clinch the series. Options like Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar could cover the spin-all-rounder role, while Shahbaz Ahmed – who last played for India in the 2023 Asian Games – gets a chance to impress ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

This setback comes as India continues to build momentum in the high-octane series against the Proteas.

Keep following for live updates, player reactions, and in-depth analysis from the IND vs SA clashes!