India vs South Africa: Mohammed Siraj replaces injured Jasprit Bumrah in T20I series squad

The BCCI on Friday confirmed that Mohammed Siraj has replaced Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the ongoing series against South Africa.

In a big blow to India ahead of the T20 World Cup, Bumrah was ruled out due to a back stress fracture which initially kept him out of the first match of the series. However, on further assessment, the injury was deemed to be serious and reports suggest that the Indian pacer will be out of action for atleast six months.

In a statement released by the BCCI on Friday morning, the governing body announced that Siraj would replace Bumrah in the squad for the remaining two matches. They went on to say that Bumrah is currently under the medical supervision of the BCCI medical team.

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee named Mohd. Siraj as the replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the remainder of the T20I series against South Africa.”

“Bumrah has sustained a back injury and is currently under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team,” said BCCI in the statement.

The squad for the remaining two matches is as follows:

India squad for South Africa T20Is: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Umesh Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

Siraj has played five T20I matches till now and has picked up five wickets as well. His last game for India in the format was back in February.

Bumrah was rested for the first match of the series against South Africa after he complained about some discomfort in his back. It seems likely that Mohammed Shami or Deepak Chahar will replace him in the T20 World Cup next month.

India is currently leading the series 1-0 after winning the match on Wednesday by eight wickets.