Shahbaz Nadeem called up to India Test squad as cover for Kuldeep Yadav

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep has been experiencing shoulder pain ahead of the final Test

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem has been called up to India’s squad ahead of the final Test of the three-match series against South Africa.

He will act as cover for Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, who is a doubt after complaining of shoulder pain on Friday.

Nadeem, 30, has never represented India in international cricket but has been a reliable option over the years in domestic cricket.

He has taken 424 first-class wickets in his career, although he comes into the squad on the back of a run of form that has seen him take just two wickets in his last eight limited-over games in the Hazare Trophy. He has been playing for Jharkhand in the white-ball competition.

Nadeem was first picked by India during West Indies’ tour of the country in 2018, though he was never given his debut. He was part of the India A squad that toured England in 2018.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja have both been in fine form for the home side in dismantling South Africa. They have won both of the first two Tests ahead of the finale at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, which is also Nadeem’s home ground.

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