Picture Credit : BCCI
India are playing in the second match of the series against New Zealand on Friday. Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first and India made two changes to their lineup with Jasprit Bumrah not part of the XI. In this article we look at why Jasprit Bumrah is not playing today. India won the opening match of the series by 48 runs. In the opening match of the series, Jasprit Bumrah bowled only three wickets giving away 29 runs and did not pick up a wicket. India had already sealed the game so Bumrah was not given his final over.
It is important to remember that Jasprit Bumrah has returned after a long layoff as he was rested for the ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand. Having played the first T20I against New Zealand just a few days back, Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for this match. This was confirmed by Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. The third T20I match will be played on Sunday so there is very little gap between the two matches. So keeping that in mind and the fact that India won the first match meant that Bumrah was rested and he will likely return on Sunday for the third T20I.
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Bumrah has been excellent in this format for India and was the star in India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024. The upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 which starts on February 7 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. India will heavily depend on Jasprit Bumrah.
India will have to ensure he remains fit for the main event and hence his workload is being managed. Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the Indian pace attack and is arguably the best bowler in the world as India are looking to go back-to-back titles they will hope that their key bowler stays fit.
