T20 WC: Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss India's opener
07 Feb 2026

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup against the USA on February 7.

The decision comes after he was hit by a viral fever.

The Indian Express reported that Bumrah showed up for training at Wankhede Stadium on Friday but didn't participate in it.

Here are further details.

India left with only 13 fully fit players
Team hurdles

Bumrah's possible absence leaves India with only 13 fully fit players for their title defense.

All-rounder Washington Sundar is yet to join the World Cup squad as he awaits fitness clearance at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a knee injury during India's warm-up match against South Africa earlier this week.

Bumrah boasts these stellar numbers in T20 World Cups
Stats

As per ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah has so far featured in three editions of T20 WCs - 2016, 2021, and 2024.

The right-arm pacer has claimed 26 wickets across 18 games in the tourney at 14.30.

Bumrah's economy rate of 5.44 is the best among bowlers with at least 25 T20 World Cup wickets.

Bumrah played a vital role in India's title-winning run in 2024, scalping 15 wickets at an average of just 8.27.

Rana ruled out; Siraj named replacement
Squad update

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Rana has been ruled out of the tournament.

After consulting with a specialist and undergoing scans, the BCCI medical team deemed him unfit for participation.

Mohammed Siraj has been named as his replacement and is likely to be included in India's playing XI tonight in Bumrah's absence.

Ishan Kishan to open for India
Line-up changes

Ishan Kishan is all but likely to open the innings with Abhishek Sharma.

Kishan scored 53 during a warm-up game against South Africa as an opener.

He has also scored 103 as one drop against New Zealand in India's last T20 game in Trivandrum.

With Sanju Samson out of form, the Indian team is banking on Kishan at the top of the order.