India Announce Two Forced Changes As Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah Miss Out; Harshit, Kuldeep Named In Playing XI vs SA

Team India undergoes a couple of forced changes ahead of the third T20I match against South Africa. The Men in Blue made two changes to their Playing XI after Axar Patel was ill and Jasprit Bumrah missed out due to personal reasons.

India and South Africa lock horns in the third T20I of the series, with the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala serving as host for the crucial fixture. A win could help any side seize some key momentum and also pick up the series lead to stay a step ahead in the competition. The series is now levelled at 1-1, and a win tonight could have a significant impact. 

India Name Two Changes To Playing XI As Axar & Bumrah Miss Out

At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that all-rounder Axar Patel was unwell, while Jasprit Bumrah missed out due to personal reasons. Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and seamer Harshit Rana step in to replace them for the third T20I match at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.

India had won the toss after South Africa captain Aiden Markram called it wrong. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bowl first, since the wicket has been good and he believes it will not change much throughout the match-up. SKY also said that dew has started to settle, and it will get heavier with time. 

“It’s been a good wicket all weekend, and I don’t think it’ll change much, but there is a little bit of dew already, and we feel it might get heavier later on. So, we’re happy to bowl first,” Captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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South Africa Name Three Changes In Playing XI For Third T20I

Just like India, South Africa also had some changes in its Playing XI. At the toss, captain Aiden Markram revealed that they have made three rotations, with stars like David Miller, George Linde and Lutho Sipamla will be replaced by Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje and Tristan Stubbs.

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“Tonight is about backing that up and being consistent, which is always a challenge we look forward to. It does look nice. We’ll assess the first couple of overs and then take it on from there. Hopefully, we can bat well again and put a competitive score on the board,” Captain Markram said.