With only a few weeks left for the T20 World Cup 2022, India has dealt with a massive blow as their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament. According to reports, Bumrah has suffered a back stress fracture and will be needing 4-6 months to recover. Notably, the pacer did not take part in the first T20I against South Africa due to back pain.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that he complained of back pain during a practice session on Tuesday and hence was rested for the first T20I which was played on Wednesday. Now, reports have emerged that the pacer has suffered a back stress fracture and thus won't be able to travel to Australia for the T20 World Cup.
"Bumrah is not going to play the World T20 for sure. He has a serious back condition. It's a stress fracture and he could be out for a period of six months," a senior BCCI official was quoted saying by the news agency PTI.
It's worth mentioning that Bumrah made a comeback to cricketing action with the Australia series. He did not play the first T20I of that series as well. However, Bumrah featured in the rest two matches. The right-arm quick was ruled out of Asia Cup 2022 with the same injury. The pacer has suffered this sort of injury in 2019 as well.
Now, with Bumrah ruled out, BCCI will have to rethink their strategy related to the squad that will fly to Australia. Mohammed Shami who has been kept on the standby list may get included in the main squad. Mohammed Siraj's name is also being floated around as Bumrah's replacement. Deepak Chahar can also be a potential replacement as he is also on the standby list of the T20 World Cup squad.