Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing today in IND vs SA 3rd T20I at Dharamshala?

It is time for the third game of the five-match T20I series between India and South Africa at Dharamsala on Sunday (December 14) evening, where many Indian cricket fans were surprised after knowing that Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah were not in the playing XI. While Axar was unavailable for the match due to illness, let's check why Bumrah was missing from the game. 

The T20I series is standing at 1-1, as all the remaining matches are very crucial now for both teams. While the right-arm fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is a vital name in the Indian bowling line-up, his absence for the crucial T20I has stunned everyone, especially when there was no previous information on this matter.

Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi dismisses Pakistan skipper during Men's U-19 Asia Cup 2025

Jasprit Bumrah has gone back home for personal reasons

While fans may panic about Bumrah's any sudden fitness issue, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has quickly clarified the situation. After the toss of the Dharamsala T20I, the BCCI confirmed on social media that Bumrah was unavailable due to returning home for personal reasons. The board update further added that his return to the squad would be updated later. 

India chose to bowl first in Dharamsala T20I

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to field first in the Dharamsala T20I. While India won the first game of the series at Cuttack by 101 runs, South Africa leveled the series at New Chandigarh after winning the match by 51 runs.