Jasprit Bumrah for India [Source: X]Ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener, the team received bad news in the form of Jasprit Bumrah. After Harshit Rana was ruled out for the entirety of the tournament, Bumrah is also likely to miss India’s opening clash against the USA on February 7. The match, which will be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, is expected to see the Indian ace pacer absent after he did not take the field in the warm-up clash against South Africa either. Jasprit Bumrah-less pace attack to be fielded It was already a concern after Bumrah did not take the field on February 4, with almost every other Indian bowler getting a chance to bowl in the warm-up ahead of the mega ICC event. Jasprit Bumrah is India’s premier pace bowler and his workload needs to be managed carefully. Although he last appeared on the field for the final T20I against New Zealand on January 31, Bumrah still needed to be managed cautiously. Why will Jasprit Bumrah not play the IND vs USA match today? As reported by The Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah is suffering from a viral high fever and has been rested by the Indian team management. As it is understood, Bumrah is not being rushed, as he is being preserved for the later stages of the tournament. On the match eve, Bumrah was seen at the ground during the practice session. However, he did not train with the ball, underlining his illness. This means India will be going in with a 13-player squad after injuries hit the team. Washington Sundar is still at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence after his injury, as he awaits fitness clearance. Bumrah’s form in T20Is since 2025 Jasprit Bumrah has been in phenomenal form since 2025. In T20I cricket, he has taken 18 wickets from 15 appearances while conceding 435 runs. However, he has bowled at a solid economy rate of 7.74, with an average of 24.2. His strike rate during this period has been 18.7, which clearly underlines his impact as a strike bowler who can scalp wickets and provide breakthroughs at crucial moments. Missing Bumrah will be a huge blow for India. However, given the importance of the tournament, Bumrah’s rest is mandatory, as several other key match-ups are lined up after the USA clash. Considering the nature of his illness, it is likely that Bumrah will recover within a week. With Bumrah ruled out for the first match, Mohammed Siraj, who was called up following Harshit Rana’s injury, is likely to feature in the opening game. India’s likely bowling attack without Bumrah Without Jasprit Bumrah, India are likely to field Siraj leading the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, with Shivam Dubey and Hardik Pandya providing additional pace options. Both all-rounders will be crucial with both bat and ball, giving India flexibility with a four-pronged pace attack against the USA. Among the spinners, Varun Chakravarthy is likely to be included in the playing XI for the first match, with Axar Patel also contributing with his left-arm orthodox spin and providing useful batting depth at number six or seven. India is set to start their campaign strongly against the USA as they will face Namibia, Pakistan and the Netherlands next in their group stage encounter from Group A.
