“Shami hasn’t recovered from his bout of 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 on the condition of anonymity.
India T20 WC Squad: Hardik Pandya to train at NCA, will not play South Africa T20 Series
IND vs SA T20: BCCI still ‘UNSURE’ about Mohammed Shami’s…
IND vs SA T20 Series: Setback for India as Hooda, Shami ruled out of SA Series, Hardik Pandya rested as Shreyas Iyer, Shabhaz Ahmed included in INDIA T20 Squad: Follow LIVE Updates
However, when asked why Shahbaz has been picked in place of Pandya?
The source said, “Is there any seam bowling all-rounder who can replace Hardik. Raj Bawa is too raw and that’s why we kept him in India A for exposure. He will need time to blossom. Tell me another name?”
Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari will lead the Rest of India team in the Irani Cup against Saurashtra.
What is the situation with Mohammed Shami? Shami’s return to the Indian T20 International side is set to be further delayed. Shami hasn’t recovered from the Covid infection.
Shami as per the available information will miss the entire T20I series against South Africa starting Wednesday.
For the record, Shami has not travelled to Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian team reached the venue on Monday evening. Umesh Yadav, who was announced as a replacement for Shami, has travelled with the team. It is an clear indication that he will be part of the three-match South Africa series too.
The South African team is already in the Kerala city since Sunday. It’s understood that there is still no decision on whether Shami will be able to travel with the Indian side to Australia for the World Cup.
When ICC T20 World Cup starts? The World Cup starts on October 16. India’s first game is on October 23. Rohit Sharma led team will play Pakistan in their opening clash.
India squad for South Africa T20Is: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Shreyas Iyer (likely)
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