Mohammed Shami ruled out from Test series, Deepak Chahar withdraws from ODI series; Indian Cricket Board makes multiple changes to squads vs SA

The Indian Cricket Board made a few changes to India’s ODI and Test squad of the South Africa series on December 16. Notably, Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the two matches of the Test series after the star pacer failed to recover on time from the injuries, which leaves him out of the squad. The 33-year-old cricketer was last seen in action during the ODI World Cup 2023, where he ended his tenure as the leading wicket-taker.

On the other hand, star pacer Deepak Chahar has also withdrawn his name from the South Africa ODI series and flown back to India due to personal family problems. According to reports, Deepak Chahar’s father has been unwell for the past week, and he requested that the Indian Cricket Board allow him to miss the ODI series. Meanwhile, the Indian Cricket Board has named Akash Deep as his replacement.

“Deepak Chahar has informed the BCCI that he will not be available for the upcoming ODI series due to a family medical emergency. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Mr Akash Deep as his replacement. Mohd. Shami, whose participation in the Test series was subject to fitness has not been cleared by the BCCI Medical Team and the fast bowler is ruled out of the two Tests,” Indian Cricket Board officials said.

Meanwhile, star middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will only play the first ODI, which is scheduled to take place on December 17. However, the 28-year-old cricketer will miss the last two ODIs to prepare for Test cricket, which is slated to take place on December 26.

Indian Cricket Board makes multiple changes for the South Africa series

“After the conclusion of the first ODI in Johannesburg on 17th December, Shreyas Iyer will join the Test squad to prepare for the Test series. He will not be available for the second and third ODI and will take part in the inter-squad game,” the release added.

India’s updated ODI squad for South Africa series: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep.