NewKerala.com

India's T20I Blow: Why Bumrah's Sudden Exit Shakes South Africa Series

India will be without their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for a crucial series-deciding match. He has returned home due to personal reasons, leaving a big hole in the bowling attack. The team is also missing the all-round skills of Axar Patel, who is unwell. With the five-match series perfectly poised at 1-1, both teams have made significant changes to their line-ups for this pivotal game.

Key Points: Jasprit Bumrah Misses 3rd T20I vs South Africa for Personal Reasons

  • Bumrah's availability for final two matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad remains uncertain
  • Axar Patel also misses the Dharamsala clash due to illness
  • Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav drafted into India's playing eleven as replacements
  • South Africa make three changes, dropping David Miller and playing without a specialist spinner
2 min read

3rd T20I: Bumrah returns home due to personal reasons, update on availability awaited

Jasprit Bumrah returns home, missing the crucial 3rd T20I. Axar Patel also out ill as India makes two changes with the series tied 1-1.

"Jasprit Bumrah has gone back home for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the game. - BCCI Statement"

Dharamshala, Dec 14

India will be without ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the third T20I against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium, as he has returned home due to personal reasons.

The BCCI said an update on his availability for the remaining two matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad will be provided in due course. “Jasprit Bumrah has gone back home for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the game. An update on him joining the squad for the remaining matches will be provided in due course," said the BCCI in its statement.

Apart from Bumrah, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel misses out due to being unwell. “Axar Patel is unavailable for the third T20I due to illness,” further said the BCCI. In place of the duo, seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been drafted into the playing eleven for Sunday’s clash.

India will feel the absence of Bumrah, who picked two wickets in the T20I series opener in Cuttack but went wicketless while conceding 45 runs in the second match in New Chandigarh. Axar, meanwhile, contributed 23 and 21 in the first two matches and was even promoted to number three during the 214-run chase in New Chandigarh, a gamble which didn’t pay off for India, the reigning Men’s T20 World Cup champions.

The third T20I is of huge significance, with the ongoing five-match series currently locked at 1-1. Both India and South Africa view the contest at the picturesque stadium in Dharamsala as pivotal in seizing momentum, with the winner of the match moving a step closer to clinching the series.

South Africa, meanwhile, also have three changes to their playing eleven: Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje and Tristan Stubbs included in place of David Miller, George Linde and Litho Sipamla. With no specialist spinner, South Africa will bank on Aiden Markram, Donovan Ferreira and Dewald Brevis to shoulder the spin bowling duties.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a huge blow for the crucial match. Bumrah's death bowling is irreplaceable. While I respect his privacy, the BCCI should have had a clearer contingency plan announced. The series is on the line!
K
Karthik V
Get well soon, Axar! And all the best to Bumrah bhai. Time for others to step up. Harshit Rana has been brilliant in the IPL. Big opportunity for him. South Africa also missing Miller, so it's even.
P
Priyanka N
Dharamshala is such a beautiful ground! Hope the weather holds up. The match is going to be a cracker even without the big stars. Our batting needs to fire. Feeling nervous but excited! 💙
M
Michael C
Interesting tactical battle. SA with no specialist spinner is a gamble on that pitch. Kuldeep Yadav could be the game-changer if he gets to bowl in the middle overs. India still has the edge at home.
A
Anjali F
Personal reasons are absolutely valid. Cricket is just a game. Health and family are more important. Let's not put pressure on players for availability updates. Wishing strength to Bumrah.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50