India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a back stress fracture. Bumrah’s absence from the ICC event comes as a massive blow to Men in blue’s hope of finishing at the top. On Wednesday, the Indian pace spearhead was forced to miss the first T20I against South Africa after he complained of back pain during the practice session in the nets.

This is the second such injury mishap after all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was also ruled out as he is recovering from knee surgery. A senior BCCI official told Bumrah is not going to play the World T20 for sure. He added that the 28-year-old seamer has a serious back condition. The senior official concluded that it is a stress fracture and Bumrah could be out of action for a period of six months.

This was not the first time that the seamer has endured a back injury. Earlier this month, Bumrah was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 due to the same issue. He underwent a rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru before being deemed fit to play. It is believed that Bumrah’s injury is not severe enough to undergo surgery.

With Bumrah being ruled out, India is expected to pick either Mohammed Shami or Deepak Chahar to fill his place, both the fast bowlers have been named in the standbys for the marquee tournament. The selectors are also thinking of including Mohammed Siraj in the squad, who is currently playing County for Warwickshire.