India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup due to a back injury, the BCCI announced on Monday.

Bumrah’s absence will affect India’s chances in the marquee event in Australia as the death bowling still remains a grey area. The BCCI was awaiting medical reports while the pacer did his rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, but it was a foregone conclusion that he would be out for months.

“The BCCI Medical Team has ruled out Team India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. The decision was taken following a detailed assessment and in consultation with the specialists,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.

Bumrah was initially ruled out of the ongoing three-match T20I series against South Africa due to a back injury. The Board is yet to name a replacement for the T20 World Cup.