Who has replaced Deepak Chahar in India's ODI squad against South Africa?

Deepak Chahar has withdrawn from India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against SA.

Just before commencement of the ODI series against South Africa on Sunday, Indian team management has made a few big changes in their setup. All-rounder Deepak Chahar will be unavailable for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa and young right-arm pace from Bengal Akash Deep will be replacing Deepak Chahar. Chahar will be unavailable due to a medical emergency in his family. 

The BCCI has released an official update on Deepak Chahar, who informed the board about his unavailability for the upcoming series against South Africa. BCCI in an official statement said, “Mr Deepak 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 Mr Akash Deep as his replacement.” 

Who is Akash Deep?

Akash Deep has been a prolific wicket-taker for his domestic side and a consistent performer. He has been rewarded for his magnificent work as a pace bowler for Bengal, Akash Deep has played 25 first-class games for Bengal and picked up 90 wickets, while in the white-ball format, Akash Deep has played 28 matches and picked up wickets. He made his IPL debut for RCB in the IPL 2022 and played 7 games for the franchise in two seasons.

Deepak Chahar has a medical emergency in his family as one of his close relatives needed hospitalization as soon as possible. Chahar was added for the final two T20I games against Australia but played only one game in Raipur. He had to fly back home before the final T20I game played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. According to a few media reports, Chahar’s father is suffering from illness. 

Iyer to join Test preparations

In another change, Shreyas Iyer will be joining the test squad after the opening ODI game scheduled to be played on Monday at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Shreyas Iyer will not be playing the second and third ODI games but will take part in the inter-squad test in preparation for the opening test match on Boxing Day. The first test match will be played at Supersport Park in Centurion starting on 26th December. 

Right-arm pacer Mohammed Shami also has been ruled out of the test series due to injury. During the announcement of squad, BCCI made it clear that his participation will be subject to fitness, but the BCCI’s medical team has ruled him out for the remaining two test matches. Indian senior support staff will not be part of the ODI series and will oversee the preparation of the Test squad, while India A support staff comprising Sitanshu Kotak, Rajib Dutta, and Ajay Ratra will be assisting in the ODI series. 

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