Injured Bumrah ruled out of T20 World Cup

NEW DELHI (AP) — India suffered a huge setback when fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup on Monday because of a back injury.

Bumrah complained of back pain last week during an India practice and was rushed to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further assessment. He's missed the ongoing T20 series against South Africa, where he planned to make a comeback.

He missed last month’s Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates because of his back and underwent rehabilitation for about a month. But he needs more time.

“The decision was taken following a detailed assessment and in consultation with the specialists,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India said in a statement.

Bumrah’s replacement was not immediately named. Fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Deepak Chahar are in the reserves.

It is the second time in the last three years that Bumrah has been sidelined by a back injury. He had a lower back issue in 2019 which kept him out for three months. He played at the T20 World Cup last year.

He is the second major injury blow for India after Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out due to a knee injury, which he sustained during the Asia Cup.

India is expected to fly out to Australia this week, and has warmup games lined up against New Zealand and Australia. India opens its T20 World Cup against Pakistan on Oct. 23 in Melbourne.

Also in their group are South Africa, Bangladesh and two qualifiers yet to be determined.

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