Big setback for South Africa, Star batsman ruled out of T20I series after testing Covid positive
The series between India and South Africa is full of excitement and thrills. Both teams are playing very competitive cricket, and fans are also enjoying every moment of each match irrespective of the results. Both teams are playing without some of their big names. The home team has given rest to their senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Shrama and Jasprit Bumrah.
On the other hand, South Africa are not able to play Quinton De Kock and Aiden Markaram due to their respective injuries or fitness issues. Although they are leading the series by 2-1, ahead of the third T20I, the visiting team suffered a huge loss.
Star batter Aiden Markram has been tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ruled out of the rest of the series. However, he was tested positive for the virus before the start of the season and was undergoing the mandatory seven-day isolation.
But now it has been confirmed that he will not be able to participate in the next two matches because he will not be able to complete his return to play in the last two games. On Wednesday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the news by sharing a tweet from their official Twitter handle.
⚠️TEAM UPDATE@AidzMarkram has been ruled out of the remainder of the #INDvSA T20I series.
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 15, 2022
The #Proteas batsman spent 7 days in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 last week and will not be able to complete his return to play program in time for the last 2 matches. pic.twitter.com/LSfRCdFsOO
Both teams will square off in the fourth T20I match on Friday, June 17 at Rajkot. The Men in Blue will look to win the match to level the series. On the other hand, after winning the first two T20Is, Temba Bavuma and his team would look to win the match to take an unassailable lead.
Speaking of the third game, the Indian team was able to defend the target in the third game after failing to defend the target in the first two. The veteran leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, took three wickets for just 20 runs and was adjudged "Man of the Match" for his performance.
Harshal Patel also picked up four wickets for 25 runs. Both Indian openers scored their respective half-centuries. Ishan Kishan scored (54 off 35) and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored (57 off 35).