India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup due to a back injury. The BCCI made the announcement after getting the medical reports as Bumrah was doing his rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
"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," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.
Bumrah was earlier ruled out of the ongoing three-match T20I series against South Africa due to an injury. India has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Bumrah's battle with injuries: Bumrah's unorthodox front-on action has made him prone to back injuries as it puts a lot of load on his back. He was ruled out for three months in 2019 with a minor stress fracture, reported PTI.
Why it is a huge blow for India: Jasprit Bumrah, who has played 30 Tests, 72 ODIs, and 60 T20Is, has been the lead Indian bowler in all three formats of the game in last 4-5 years.
Bumrah's replacement: While the BCCI will be naming a replacement for Bumrah in the squad for the T20 World Cup soon, one among Mohammed Shami and Deepak Chahar will make it to the main squad. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Umran Malik is expected to be named on the standby list, PTI reported.
Bumrah is the second big player that India will miss at the tournament. Earlier, allrounder Ravindra Jadeja was also ruled out due to a knee injury.