Why is Bumrah Absent from the 3rd T20I Against South Africa?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn, India is set to face South Africa in the third T20I without their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has returned home for personal reasons. The BCCI is expected to update on his availability soon, while South Africa also makes several changes to their squad. The match is pivotal as both teams vie for series momentum.
Key Takeaways
- Bumrah returns home for personal reasons, impacting India's strategy.
- Axar Patel is also unavailable due to illness.
- Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav join the squad for the third T20I.
- The series is currently tied at 1-1, adding pressure to both teams.
- South Africa makes strategic changes to their lineup.
Dharamshala, Dec 14 (NationPress) India will miss their star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the third T20I against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium, as he has returned home due to personal reasons.
The BCCI has stated that they will provide an update on his status for the upcoming two matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad in due time. “Jasprit Bumrah has gone back home for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the game. An update on him joining the squad for the remaining matches will be provided in due course,” was the official statement from the BCCI.
In addition to Bumrah, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel is also absent due to health issues. “Axar Patel is unavailable for the third T20I due to illness,” the BCCI confirmed. In their place, seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been included in the playing eleven for Sunday’s match.
India will undoubtedly feel the absence of Bumrah, who took two wickets in the T20I series opener in Cuttack but failed to take any in the second match in New Chandigarh, conceding 45 runs. Axar, meanwhile, made contributions of 23 and 21 in the first two matches and was even promoted to number three during the 214-run chase in New Chandigarh, a gamble that did not pay off for India, the reigning Men’s T20 World Cup champions.
The third T20I holds significant importance, with the current five-match series tied at 1-1. Both India and South Africa see this contest at the stunning stadium in Dharamsala as crucial for gaining momentum, with the winner edging closer to securing the series.
South Africa, too, have made three changes to their playing eleven: Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, and Tristan Stubbs will take the place of David Miller, George Linde, and Litho Sipamla. Without a specialist spinner, South Africa will rely on Aiden Markram, Donovan Ferreira, and Dewald Brevis to handle the spin bowling duties.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the challenges India faces without their key player, Jasprit Bumrah. The decision for him to return home underscores the personal stakes involved in professional sports. This match is not just about the players on the field, but about the resilience of the team as they adapt to unforeseen circumstances while aiming to clinch the series.
NationPress
14/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing in the third T20I?
Jasprit Bumrah has returned home due to personal reasons and will not be available for the third T20I against South Africa.
Will Bumrah play in the remaining matches?
An update on Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the remaining two matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad will be provided by the BCCI in due course.
Who has replaced Bumrah and Axar Patel in the squad?
Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav have been drafted into the playing eleven for the third T20I in place of Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel.
What is the current status of the T20I series?
The five-match T20I series is currently tied at 1-1, making the third match crucial for both teams.
How have South Africa adjusted their squad?
South Africa has made three changes to their playing eleven, bringing in Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, and Tristan Stubbs.
