Shahbaz Ahmad and Shreyas Iyer have reportedly been named as Hardik Pandya and injured Deepak Hooda's replacement for the upcoming South Africa series.
While Pandya has been rested for the 3-match T20I series, Hooda has been ruled out with a back injury, as per reports. However, BCCI is yet to release details about the all-rounder's injury. The 27-year-old who made his international debut in 2022 has also been named in the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Mohd Shami's return to international cricket has been delayed further. After not playing in the 3-match series vs Australia,
the 32-year-old will likely miss the South Africa series as well. The ace pacer had contracted Covid-19 and has reportedly not yet fully recovered.
'Shami hasn’t recovered from his bout with Covid-19. He needs more time, and hence, will be out of the South Africa series. Umesh Yadav will continue as Shami’s replacement for the South Africa series,' a senior BCCI source told PTI.
Shami who last played in July 2022 has been named as a reserve for the T20 World Cup that begins next month.
Rohit Sharma-led Team India is set to play a 3-match T20I series against South Africa starting September 28 in Thiruvananthapuram. This will be India's final T20I assignment before they head to Australia for the T20 World Cup.
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India squad for South Africa T20Is (likely): Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmad, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Umesh Yadav, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.