India has reportedly been dealt a setback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa, with senior all-rounder Axar Patel ruled out of the final two games. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to make an official announcement, the absence of Axar comes at a crucial stage of the series, with India pushing to seal it on home soil.
The series has seen momentum swing early. India registered a dominant win in the opening T20I before slipping up in the second match, leaving the contest finely balanced. Axar Patel missed the third T20I on Sunday, December 14, but the hosts produced a comprehensive all-round display in Dharamsala to reclaim the lead.
Despite that win, concerns remain over squad depth heading into the business end of the series. According to a report by Sports Tak, Axar has been ruled out of the remaining matches, a development that surfaced just days before the fourth T20I. The BCCI has not yet named a replacement, leaving the team management with limited time to finalise combinations. There is also uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah, who returned home on December 14 due to personal reasons.
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Sends Clear Message To Suryakumar Yadav After Another Low Score
The board has not clarified whether the senior pacer will be available for the next fixture. The fourth T20I will be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, December 17. A win there would allow India to clinch the series before the final game, making selection clarity even more critical.
Axar Patel had made a strong impact at the start of the series. In the opening T20I, he delivered a match-winning spell, picking up two wickets for just seven runs as South Africa were bundled out for 74. India went on to register a massive 101-run victory. He followed it up with another valuable all-round contribution in the second match, conceding 27 runs in three overs while also chipping in with a quick 21 after being promoted to No. 3 during the chase.
🚨 REPORTS 🚨
Axar Patel is likely to miss the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa due to illness ❌🤒#AxarPatel #TeamIndia #INDvSA #T20I #CricketNews #BreakingNews #InjuryUpdate #IndianCricket #CricketUpdates pic.twitter.com/ykOidytzig
— Cricadium (@Cricadium) December 15, 2025
With Axar unavailable, India are yet to confirm their next move. Washington Sundar remains a potential option, though he does not offer the same left-arm spin variety or batting flexibility. The team management will also be keen to ensure Axar’s recovery ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, starting January 11.
ALSO READ: Sanjay Bangar Tips David Miller And Jonny Bairstow For Big Bids At IPL Auction
In Dharamsala, South Africa struggled to cope with conditions that favoured the bowlers. India’s attack worked in unison, reducing the visitors to 30 for four and never allowing partnerships to flourish. Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each, with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also contributing, as South Africa were bowled out for 117.
Chasing a modest target, Abhishek Sharma set the tone with an aggressive powerplay, ensuring India stayed firmly in control. Despite a measured middle-order effort, the strong start meant the chase was never under threat, with India sealing the win with 25 balls to spare.
