Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of India’s three-match T20I series against South Africa due to his ongoing COVID-19 recovery, and Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed replaced the rested Hardik Pandya.
On Wednesday, the series will begin in Thiruvananthapuram. Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will be recalled by the national selection committee for the series because all-rounder Deepak Hooda will also miss it owing to back spasms.
“Shami hasn’t fully recovered from his COVID-19 infection. He will not be participating in the South Africa series because he needs more time. Shami will be replaced by Umesh Yadav for the South Africa series.”
However, the insider responded as follows when asked why Shahbaz was chosen over Pandya: “Is there an all-round seam bowler who can take Hardik’s place? Raj Bawa is very undeveloped, therefore we kept him in India A to give him exposure. He will require time to develop. Let me know another name.”
