India suffered a major setback ahead of the third and final ODI against England after star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to a knee injury sustained during the previous match in Cardiff.
At the toss, India captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Bumrah was unavailable for selection. Soon after, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement explaining the reason behind his absence.
The BCCI noted that Bumrah got hurt while fielding in the second ODI of the series in Cardiff, and has experienced reactive swelling on the left knee. The team’s doctors thus prevailed upon him to not be included in the playing eleven for the series-decider.
Bumrah appeared to be conversing with captain Shubman Gill and senior batter Virat Kohli prior to the match and was believed to be available, when the word of his absence came out.
The ODI international series with England was Bumrah’s first ODI debut in 50 overs format since he lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad for India. The pace man picked up two wickets in two matches.
The BCCI have also announced that Bumrah would miss India’s three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe which will kick-off on July 23, while keeping a close eye on his workload and recovery.
India will need to closely watch Bumrah’s rehabilitation as he has a number of important overseas careers ahead of him before it will consider bringing him back to competitive cricket.