Star India player granted leave for marriage in India vs Australia 3rd T20I

Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India is currently taking on Australia in the third of the five-match T20I series. While the Men in Blue are coming into the game tonight after taking a 2-0 lead in the series, Matthew Wade’s Australia will look to bounce back to restrict a series win for the hosts. Overall, the Indian batting department have been phenomenal in both the T20I matches played so far in the tournament.

As the captains stepped onto the field for the third T20I, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav announced an alteration in the lineup. During the toss, SKY mentioned that Avesh Khan would be coming in to replace Mukesh Kumar, who was unavailable as he was about to get married. Mukesh Kumar was absent from the 3rd T20I between India and Australia in Guwahati on November 28, as he was granted leave for his wedding.

The Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav humorously acknowledged Mukesh's absence, stating that he was away to participate in the "biggest game" of his life. Avesh Khan was brought in as a replacement for Mukesh in the playing XI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium for the 3rd T20I.

"One change for us - Avesh Khan replaces Mukesh, who is playing his biggest game, he's getting married, and we wish him all the best," SKY said after the toss.

Deepak Chahar is drafted in the squad for remainder of series

On the flip side, Deepak Chahar made a return to the T20I side for the first time since October 22. The pacer from the Chennai Super Kings, retained by the franchise for the IPL 2024 auction, displayed excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Just on November 25, he secured 6 wickets for Rajasthan against Chandigarh. Since the IPL 2023 final, Deepak Chahar has only participated in 7 competitive matches. In the 2023 season, his physical challenges persisted as he suffered a hamstring injury on April 8th during a match against Mumbai Indians. This injury, occurring after just one over, added to the six IPL league games he had already missed due to the same issue, significantly impacting CSK's bowling attack.

Despite the setbacks, Chahar's performance in the matches he played was noteworthy. He garnered 13 wickets from 10 games, highlighting his ability to make crucial breakthroughs with the new ball alongside teammate Tushar Deshpande, contributing significantly to building pressure on the opposition during the powerplay overs.