Jasprit Bumrah set to miss India vs USA T20 World Cup opener
Jasprit Bumrah To Miss India vs USA T20 World Cup Opener
India are set to begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the United States, but the team is likely to be without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the opening match due to illness. The management has opted for caution with a long tournament ahead and does not want to risk aggravating the condition early in the competition.
Jasprit Bumrah Likely To Miss Opener
Jasprit Bumrah has been down with viral fever and did not participate in the final training session before the match. He visited the stadium but remained under observation from the medical staff. The team management is expected to rest him for the opener to ensure full recovery for upcoming fixtures in the group stage.
India will therefore start the tournament without their primary death-overs specialist, which could influence bowling combinations in the first match.
Mohammed Siraj Set To Replace Bumrah
In Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Siraj is expected to come into the playing XI. Siraj had already joined the squad recently following a knee injury to Harshit Rana during a warm-up game.
The selection panel prefers maintaining bowling depth rather than rushing Bumrah back, especially considering multiple matches scheduled in quick succession.
Ishan Kishan To Open With Abhishek Sharma
India are also expected to adjust the batting order. Ishan Kishan is likely to open alongside Abhishek Sharma after scoring a half-century in the practice match. The move comes as the team seeks an aggressive start in powerplay overs.
The management appears to be backing Kishan’s recent form to stabilise the top order while keeping middle-order combinations flexible for the remainder of the tournament.
