India's T20 World Cup campaign suffered a body blow on Monday after pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament with a back injury.
India had already lost star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja – to a knee injury – for the tournament that starts in Australia on October 16. And now the absence of their best white-ball bowler has stunted an already weak bowling attack.
“The BCCI Medical team has ruled out Team India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad. The decision was taken following a detailed assessment and in consultation with the specialists,” the Indian board said in a statement.
“The BCCI will be naming a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the marquee tournament soon,” the board added.
Bumrah, 28, had already been forced out of the ongoing T20 series against South Africa after he complained of back pain ahead of the opening match.
India begin their World Cup campaign against rivals Pakistan on October 23 in Melbourne. Going by recent record, Rohit Sharma's team will not be the favourites for the match.
India missed making the semi-finals of last year's T20 World Cup in the UAE after a lacklustre campaign that included a 10-wicket thrashing by Pakistan.
Last month they were again beaten by Pakistan as well as by eventual winners Sri Lanka in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup.
Snake on field disrupts India-South Africa T20
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Ground staff remove a snake from the field of play during the second T20 between India and South Africa in Guwahati on Sunday, October 2, 2022. AP -
Ground staff remove a snake from the field during the second T20 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam. AFP -
A snake was removed from the field during the second T20 in Guwahati. AFP -
India's Suryakumar Yadav smashed 61 from just 22 balls against South Africa in Guwahati on Sunday. AP -
Virat Kohli hit a quick-fire 49 on Sunday. AP -
India captain Rohit Sharma on his way to 43. AP -
South Africa's Quinton de Kock scored an unbeaten 69. AP -
Play was halted after the floodlights failed in Guwahati. AP -
Spectators wait for play to resume after a floodlight failure. AP -
South Africa's David Miller celebrates reaching his century in Guwahati on Sunday. AP -
Virat Kohli, second right, congratulates centurion David Miller after India won the second T20. AP
