Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for India's T20 World Cup opener vs USA: Reports
Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly doubtful for India's T20 World Cup 2026 opener against USA after missing training with a mild fever. With tougher Group A games ahead, India may rest him as a precaution.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign may begin with a small worry, as Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly not a certainty for the opening match against the United States in Mumbai.
As per a PTI report, India’s pace leader missed Friday’s training session after feeling unwell and running a mild temperature. Bumrah did not bowl in the nets, and while there is no suggestion of a serious issue, the team management could decide against taking any early risk with their most valuable fast bowler.
With a long tournament ahead and tougher fixtures coming up quickly, India may view the USA game as an opportunity to be cautious rather than rush Bumrah back immediately.
Who will play India vs USA if not Bumrah?
If Jasprit Bumrah is not able to shake off the illness in time, Mohammed Siraj is the frontrunner to come straight into India’s XI. The seamer only joined the squad on Friday evening, but he remains the closest replacement India have in terms of pace and experience.
The timing of the situation also matters. India’s group-stage calendar is tight, with Namibia on February 12, Pakistan on February 15, and the Netherlands on February 18. With the high-voltage India–Pakistan fixture looming, managing workloads and avoiding unnecessary risks early becomes a priority.
With Hardik Pandya expected to handle the new ball, Siraj could be used slightly differently, likely as the first-change bowler rather than an outright opening partner. That role would still allow India to keep a strong pace presence through the middle overs even without Bumrah.
India have already dealt with one injury setback, with Harshit Rana ruled out after a knee issue in a warm-up game, prompting Siraj’s inclusion as cover. For now, all eyes remain on Bumrah’s recovery and whether India choose caution over urgency in their first outing.
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