Bumrah was replaced by Harshit Rana in India's XI for the third T20I.
India’s playing XI for the ongoing third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala left the fans surprised as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah did not feature in it.
Speaking at the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed that Bumrah had gone back home due to personal reasons. Later, the BCCI confirmed through a social media that Bumrah's participation in the remaining two games of the T20I series will be provided in due course.
Bumrah, who is widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world across formats, was replaced by Harshit Rana in India's lineup for the third T20I. All-rounder Axar Patel also missed out on the Dharamsala T20I due to illness.
The hosts aim to gain a lead in the five-T20I series, currently locked 1-1 after first two games in Cuttack and New Chandigarh.
With Bumrah and Axar unavailable for selection, captain Suryakumar said Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav have been added to the playing XI.
“We’re going to bowl first. It’s been a good wicket all weekend and I don’t think it’ll change much, but there is a little bit of dew already and we feel it might get heavier later on. So, we’re happy to bowl first. It’s a wonderful place, wonderful people, and a fantastic ground. Hopefully when we bat and bowl, we can give everyone some good entertainment,” Suryakumar said at the toss.
“Every game is important. The way they played in the second game showed the beauty of this sport. What matters most is how you come back, and that’s what we want to do tonight, play our best game, enjoy ourselves, and be fearless. If we stay switched on for all three hours, that will be key for us. It looks like a good pitch. 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,” he added.
India’s playing XI for third T20I: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy