Double blow for India! Star pacer ruled out of Test series vs South Africa; Deepak Chahar withdraws from ODI contest

Mohammed Shami, who was India's trump card in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will not be available for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The right-arm pacer is ruled out of the red-ball contest as he is yet to recover from an ankle injury. Although Shami was included in the Test squad, his availability was subject to his recovery after the treatment. 

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The 33-year-old was the leading wicket-taker in the premier 50-over tournament, in which India finished as runners-up after losing to Australia in the final on December 19. Despite not playing in the initial four matches, the veteran seamer managed to pick up 24 wickets. At an average of 10.71, Shami's stellar outing included three fifers and a four-wicket haul. 

When India last toured South Africa in 2021/22, the home team won the three-match series 2-1. Shami, in red form, was expected to play a crucial role this time for the Men in Blue. As of now, no replacement has been announced for him. 

“Mohammed 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,” the board said in a statement.

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Akash Deep replaces Deepak Chahar in ODI squad 

Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar has pulled out from the 50-over series due to a family medical emergency. The 32-year-old pacer had earlier missed the fifth T20I against Australia as he had to return home after his father was admitted to hospital. The selection committee has named Akash Deep as his replacement.

"Mr Deepak Chahar has informed the Indian 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 board informed.

India’s Updated ODI Squad

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