Team India have suffered a big blow ahead of the two Tests against South Africa as ace fast bowler Mohammad Shami has been ruled out of the series, starting December 26 in Centurion.

While the selectors had picked Shami for the Test series, his participation was always subject to fitness clearance.

According to reports, the right-arm quick developed an ankle condition soon after the World Cup 2023 and he is currently undergoing medical treatment.

“Mr Mohd Shami, whose participation in the Test series was subject to fitness has not been cleared by the BCCI Medical Team and the fast bowler is ruled out of the two Tests,” BCCI said in a press release.

BCCI’s official release also mentioned that seamer Deepak Chahar will not be available for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa due to a family medical emergency. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Bengal pacer Akash Deep as his replacement.

Before the Test series in South Africa, India will also play three ODIs, slated to get underway on December 17 in Johannesburg.

BCCI’s release further stated that middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will feature only in the opening ODI and miss the last two games in order to take part in an intra-squad red-ball practice match ahead of the Tests.

Meanwhile, India head coach Rahul Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach T Dilip will not be part of the ODI series. They will link up with the Test squad and oversee their preparations for the inter-squad game and the Test series.

“The ODI team will be assisted by India A’s Coaching Staff comprising Batting Coach Mr Sitanshu Kotak, Bowling Coach Mr Rajib Datta and Fielding Coach Mr Ajay Ratra,” BCCI’s statement read.