IND Vs SA: Shahbaz Ahmed, Shreyas Iyer Replace Hardik Pandya And Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda Ruled Out: India is set to be hit with a major blow ahead of the three-match T20I series against South Africa.

India's Hardik Pandya celebrates with India's Deepak Hooda (Source: File photo/AFP)

New Delhi: Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, and batter Shreyas Iyer replaced Hardik Pandya and Deepak Hooda for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. Hooda has been ruled out due to a back injury, as reported by news agency PTI. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against South Africa after failing to recover from Covid-19.

"Shami hasn't recovered from his bout of COVID-19. He needs more time, and hence, will be out of the South Africa series. Umesh Yadav will continue as Shami's replacement for the South Africa series," a senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

Team India reached Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, where the hosts will play their first T20I match against South Africa. 

Hundreds of fans waiting outside the airport gave a rousing welcome to the Indian cricket team after reaching Thiruvananthapuram. 

"Team India will reach the ground for the practice on September 27. They will practice from 5 PM to 8 PM. The South African team will practice on the ground from 1.00 PM to 4.00 PM," KCA said in a release.

The Indian team has to play a three-match T20 series with South Africa and its first match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been rested from this series from the team led by Rohit Sharma.

Team India registered a tremendous victory in the T20 series against Australia. Now the Indian team is ready for the T20 match against South Africa to be held on 28 September in Thiruvananthapuram. After the T20 series, the Indian team also has to play an ODI series against South Africa. 

The command of the ODI team can be handed over to veteran batsman Shikhar Dhawan. At the same time, VVS Laxman can be made the caretaker coach. After 6 years in the ODI series, an Indian player is ready to make a comeback.