Team India Suffers Major Injury Blow Ahead of 4th T20I vs South Africa

Team India has suffered a massive blow ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow. Star all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series to hand the Men in Blue a new problem in the rest of the series.

Axar Patel is a key part of India's white-ball plans and has played several important matches in the past. His skills and the ability to perform under pressure situations make him an invaluable player for the Indian T20I side. His absence will be felt as India aim to seal the series in Lucknow.

Axar Patel Injury: Star All-Rounder Ruled Out of South Africa T20Is

Axar also missed the third T20I between these two teams played at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala due to illness, as told by the captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. While his absence is not yet official, several reports have confirmed that he won't be taking any further part in this series.

According to Sports Tak, the left-arm spinner has been ruled out of the entire series against South Africa. Axar Patel injury is a huge blow for the Indian team as he can contribute in more than one department. He usually bats in the lower middle order in T20Is but has also performed well when he has been promoted up the order.

Not just as a batter, Axar is also a valuable bowler who can turn things around with the ball in hand. He can bowl difficult overs in the powerplay and can also pick up wickets in middle overs with his tight lines and lengths. His skills make him one of the best all-rounders in the world. It remains to be seen how the team management copes with his absence for the next two matches.

Who will be Axar Patel Replacement?

No replacement has been announced for Axar so far by the selectors. However, off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar might come into the team in Axar's place. Like Axar, Sundar is also among the best all-rounders in India and has grown in confidence over the past year.

He has been backed by the head coach Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff, and will be in contention for the next match. With South Africa having some left-handers in their playing 11, Sundar's off-spin can play a key role.