With the five-match IND vs SA T20I series evenly poised at 1-1, India have a chance to take the lead as they lock horns with the Proteas in the third match today (December 14). However, a big name missing from the Indian lineup for the decisive clash is talismanic pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
The news of Bumrah’s absence was confirmed by India skipper Suryakumar Yadav during the coin toss, which the hosts won and opted to bowl first. SKY cited personal reasons behind the veteran pacer’s omission. The 32-year-old speedster has previously played the first two matches of the T20I series after skipping the preceding three-match ODI leg against South Africa to manage his workload.
In his absence, young pacer Harshit Rana has been named in the India Playing XI.
SKY said during the toss, “We’ve made two forced changes. Axar Patel misses out as he’s unwell, and Jasprit Bumrah misses out due to personal reasons back home. Harshit Rana comes in, and Kuldeep Yadav comes in.”
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While Suryakumar Yadav mentioned about Bumrah’s unavailability, there was no mention on when he will return. However, it is understood that there are no injury concerns at the moment and that it’s just a one-match emergency with Bumrah expected to be back with the squad soon.
Also, with the T20 World Cup 2026 almost around the corner, slated to begin from February 7, Jasprit Bumrah will be a key cog in the Indian setup. He was a part of the title-winning T20 World Cup 2024 side and will once again play a big role in India’s title-defence when they co-host the ICC tournament early next year.
India Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
South Africa Playing XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram(c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman
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