Big Blow for India, Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Series Opener vs South Africa

Jasprit Bumrah / PC: Twitter

Team India suffered a massive blow ahead of the first T20I match against South Africa as senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah complained of back pain and has been ruled out of the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to Twitter to inform that the premier pacer complained of back pain during India's practice session and the medical team is assessing the situation: 

“Jasprit Bumrah complained of back pain during India’s practice session on Tuesday. The BCCI Medical Team assessed him. He is ruled out of the first #INDvSA T20I."

The 28-year-old recently made a comeback to international set up after completing his recovery from a back injury, which ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2022. 

Bumrah was part of the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Australia, where he played in two matches and picked one wicket. 

The right-arm quick didn't look in great shape in the decider played at Hyderabad as he went on to concede a whopping 50 runs without picking a single wicket.  

Bumrah's injury is a big concern for the Men in Blue, especially at the time when the team is struggling in their death-over bowling. 

As for the match, India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first. He also gave an update on Bumrah, stating the speedster sustained a niggle during the training session.

“We are gonna bowl first. It was a good wicket when we played here last time. A bit of green covering but it’s gonna be a good batting track. It's very critical to continue to do what you’re doing and keep that momentum in this format."

"Very healthy atmosphere in the group and we also want to make sure to tick all the boxes and so far we have been doing good and we just want to continue to do that. Hardik and Bhuvi are rested from the last series. Pant and Arshdeep come in for them. Bumrah had a niggle in the morning so he misses out and Chahal misses out as well. Deepak Chahar and Ashwin are back." 

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