Setback for India as star players including Mohammed Shami face fitness battle ahead of ODI and Test series against South Africa

Ahead of the much-anticipated Test series against South Africa, the Indian selection committee announced changes to both the ODI and Test squads. The seasoned pacer, Mohammed Shami, failed to recover from his fitness concerns in time for the two-match Test series against South Africa, commencing on December 26. 

The Indian Cricket Board confirmed Shami’s exclusion, noting that his provisional inclusion was contingent on fitness clearance. In addition to Shami’s absence, there was a modification in the ODI squad as well. Medium-pacer Deepak Chahar had to be withdrawn due to a family emergency, paving the way for Akash Deep to step in. Notably, Akash Deep was already in South Africa as a part of the India A side.

“Mohd. Shami, whose participation in the Test series was subject to fitness has not been cleared by the Indian Cricket Board Medical Team and the fast bowler is ruled out of the two Tests. Deepak Chahar has informed the cricket board 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,” the Indian Cricket Board was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Shreyas Iyer to play only 1 ODI match against South Africa

The batting lineup also witnessed a shuffle, with star middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer set to play only in the series-opening ODI on December 17. Following the ODI, Iyer will join the Test squad, signalling his exclusion from the remainder of the white-ball series. However, as the teams gear up for the challenges in South Africa, these changes add an element of unpredictability, and fans will keenly watch how the revised squads perform in the upcoming 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 board said.