India Likely to Be Without Jasprit Bumrah in T20 World Cup 2026 Opener Against USA
India could be without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium later tonight. Bumrah has reportedly caught a fever, and the team management is cautious about rushing him back into action, according to The Indian Express. If rested, Mohammed Siraj—who joined the squad last night and replaces the injured Harshit Rana—will likely feature in the Playing XI. This will mark Siraj’s first T20I in almost two years.
Jasprit Bumrah bringing that pure Magic Masala energy to the field🔥 pic.twitter.com/NJc39h7nfH
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) February 7, 2026
Bumrah did appear during India’s pre-match practice but did not take part in training. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar is still awaiting NCA clearance, adding to India’s pace concerns. Opening duties are set to see a shake-up as Ishan Kishan is expected to replace Sanju Samson, partnering the in-form Abhishek Sharma. Kishan has been in excellent touch, scoring 76 and 103 in India’s recent T20I series against New Zealand and following it up with a blistering 53 off just 20 balls against South Africa in a warm-up match.
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India has only 13 fully fit players left before the start of the tournament. All-rounder Washington Sundar has not yet joined the World Cup squad as he is in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/TY0hHZ93t8
— Raju Soren (@RajKuma31298151) February 7, 2026
India vs USA: A Brief History
Tonight’s fixture will also be the first India vs USA encounter since their clash at the 2024 T20 World Cup. In that match, the USA briefly troubled India before Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings and guided the team to victory. While India remain overwhelming favourites, T20 cricket is notoriously unpredictable, and no outcome can ever be taken for granted. As reigning champions, India are aiming for back-to-back T20 World Cup titles. A win tonight and in the tournament would make India the first team to achieve consecutive T20 World Cup triumphs—and the first to lift the trophy on home soil. India previously made history 15 years ago when MS Dhoni’s 2011 squad won the 50-over World Cup at home. Fans will be watching to see if Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates can replicate that magic in the T20 format.
