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 a rested Hardik Pandya. On September 28, the series will begin in Thiruvananthapuram. The national selection committee is planning to recall middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer for the South Africa series because all-rounder Deepak Hooda is also out of the tour owing to a back spasm.
"Shami hasn't fully recovered from his COVID-19 infection. He will not participate in the South Africa series because he needs more time. Umesh Yadav will replace Shami in the South Africa series, "On the condition of anonymity, a top BCCI source told PTI.
However, the insider responded as follows when asked why Shahbaz was chosen over Pandya: "Is there an all-around 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." Hanuma Vihari will captain the Rest of India's side against Saurashtra in the Irani Cup.