Axar ruled out of remaining T20Is against SA; Shahbaz Ahmed included in squad

Axar Patel ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa. Here's who will replace him in the squad.

The 36-year-old is the best off-spinner on the planet and yet has only played 14 Tests for South Africa - now he is making up for lost time

Here’s how to watch the 1st ODI match on TV and live stream. The Sporting News takes you through all the information you need to follow the game.

RANCHI, India (AP) — Virat Kohli smashed his 52nd ODI century and India went on to beat South Africa by 17 runs in their series opener on Sunday. Kohli ’s 135 off 120 balls powered India to 349-8 in 50 overs after the home team lost its 19th consecutive toss and South Africa opted to field first.

After being part of the first two matches of the series, Axar could not play the third game due to an illness and now has been ruled out of the series.

Hardik Pandyas all-round performance and cumulative efforts by the bowlers powered India to a thumping 101-run win over South Africa in the first T20I at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. With that, India took a 1-0 lead in the five-game series to start their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations in style.

RAIPUR, India (AP) — Aiden Markram’s hundred upstaged Virat Kohli’s 53rd ODI century as South Africa beat India by four wickets in the second game to level the three-match series Wednesday. The dewy conditions also favored the Proteas in their strong chase of 362-6 after India lost its 20th consecutive toss in ODIs and made 358-5.