India were hit by a major blow on Day 3 of the Centurion Test as star fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah was forced off the field due to an injury. Bumrah twisted his ankle and was immediately taken off the attack and walked outside the playing area to undergo treatment. 

The Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) issued an update on Bumrah’s fitness describing his injury as an ankle sprain. Shreyas Iyer has replaced Bumrah on the field as a subsititute fielder. 

BCCI said,”Jasprit Bumrah has suffered a right ankle sprain while bowling in the first innings. The medical team is monitoring him at the moment. Shreyas Iyer is on the field as his substitute.” 

Bumrah suffered the injury in the 11th innings of the South African innings. After bowling the fifth delivery of the over to Rassie van der Dussen, Bumrah fell to the ground as replayed showed a nasty twist in his ankle.

The 28-year-old was immediately taken off the attack as Virat Kohli handed Mohammed Siraj the ball to complete the one remaining ball of the over. Television cameras spotted physios putting a tape on Bumrah’s ankle near the boundary line while the Indian fast-bowler was in visible pain. 

Despite Bumrah’s injury, India have made a dream start with the ball as they reduced South Africa to 33-4 on Day 3. Bumrah gave India a brilliant start in the first over by bowling a nearly unplayable delivery to dismiss South African skipper Dean Elgar. Following which, Mohammed Shami took two wickets with Siraj also chipping with one scalp to leave the hosts in some big trouble. 

Earlier, India put up a total of 327 on the board as they were bowled out in the first session of the day despite starting play at a comfortable position of 273-3.