Senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah was unable to play in India’s first match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against the USA due to illness, as confirmed by the BCCI. The BCCI medical team is keeping a close watch on his health.
In Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Siraj was included in the playing XI, replacing Harshit Rana who was sidelined due to a knee injury during a warm-up game against South Africa. Siraj, who last played a T20I for India in July 2024, was brought in after consultations with specialists and scans deemed Rana unfit for the tournament.
India opted for Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper batter for the opener. Ishan, in good form, will partner with Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. He showcased his prowess with a half-century in the warm-up match against South Africa and a century in the previous T20 game against New Zealand.
