Why Jasprit Bumrah Not Playing Today’s Match – India vs South Africa 3rd T20I?

India are without Jasprit Bumrah for the third T20I against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on December 14, with the series level at 1-1.

At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Bumrah is missing the game due to a personal reason. There is no injury concern, and the team management has not suggested any long-term issue.

India won the toss and chose to field first, keeping in mind the good wicket and the dew expected later in the evening. Suryakumar said the pitch looks solid and should remain consistent through the match.

Along with Bumrah, Axar Patel has also been ruled out of the game after falling unwell. India have made two changes to their playing XI to cover the absences.

Fast bowler Harshit Rana comes in to strengthen the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav returns to add a wrist-spin option in the middle overs. The rest of the side remains focused on playing attacking cricket.

India’s playing XI for the third T20I is Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar said India want to enjoy the contest and play fearless cricket. He also pointed out that every match in the series matters, especially after the heavy loss in the second T20I.

The five-match series began with India’s 101-run win in Cuttack, before South Africa bounced back strongly with a 51-run victory in New Chandigarh. With two games left after today, the third T20I holds extra importance.

This series is also a key part of preparations for the T20 World Cup in 2026, which adds more value to squad rotation and workload management for senior players like Bumrah.

India will hope their revamped bowling attack can step up in Bumrah’s absence and deliver on a lively Dharamshala pitch under the lights.