Third T20I: Bumrah returns home, Axar unwell as India make forced changes
Dharamshala, December 14
India will be without Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah for the third T20I against South Africa, as confirmed by captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI issued an official update on its X, stating, "Axar Patel is unavailable for the third T20I due to illness. Jasprit Bumrah has gone back home for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the game. An update on him joining the squad for the remaining matches will be provided in due course."
Speaking at the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said on the forced changes to the playing XI.
"We've made two forced changes. Axar Patel misses out as he's unwell, and Jasprit Bumrah misses out due to personal reasons back home. Harshit Rana comes in, and Kuldeep Yadav comes in," Suryakumar said.
India have brought in Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav to replace the two key players as they look to adjust their combination for the crucial third T20I.
South Africa (Playing XI): Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock(wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram(captain), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(wicketkeeper), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Watching from the US. The depth of Indian cricket is incredible. Two key players out, and you can bring in Kuldeep Yadav and a promising pacer. Hope Axar recovers soon and Bumrah's personal matter resolves.
Family first, always. Wishing Bumrah and his loved ones strength. Get well soon, Axar bhai! Excited to see Kuldeep back in the mix. His wrist spin could be the X-factor on this Dharamshala pitch.
Good to see the team management is clear about player welfare. No pressure on Bumrah to return. That said, the middle order looks a bit thin without Axar's batting. Hope Dube and Hardik step up.
Respectfully, while I understand personal emergencies, the constant last-minute changes can disrupt team balance. The BCCI and selectors need better contingency planning for a long series. Just my two paise.
All the best to Harshit Rana! Making your debut in a series decider is huge pressure. The whole country is behind you, beta. Let's go, India! 🇮🇳
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