India will be without their star pacer Mohammed Shami for the two-game Test series in South Africa, starting Boxing Day (December 26). The tests are a part of India's Tour of South Africa 2023-24, which also evelops three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals. (Cricket News)
Shami, who was recuperating from an ankle injury in the aftermath of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, was named in India's Test squad for the South Africa series with the caveat that the extent of his healing process will determine his availability. To that end, the pacer failed to clear the medical tests in time and, consequently, was denied the clearance to partake in the ongoing series. Shami will, instead, continue his recovery at home in the hopes of getting ready in time for England's visit in late January.
India have not named a replacement for the pace bowler.
Team India will also be without Deepak Chahar for the three-game ODI series after the pacer withdrew himself from contention to deal with an ongoing family emergency. A statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the same, while naming Bengal-team bowler Akash Deep as his replacement:
"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 (pacer) Akash Deep as his replacement," it read.
Chahar has been out of action since leaving the camp before the final T20I between India and Australia.
