Indian fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah is grappling with an injury during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The speedster has left the field multiple times and bowled only one over after lunch on Day 2 before heading back to the dressing room for medical treatment. While the specifics of his condition remain unclear, reports suggest Bumrah has been taken for scans by the team’s medical staff.
Concerns about Bumrah’s fitness arose before the start of Day 2, as noted by a former Australian cricketer. His reduced presence on the field is a worrying development for India, especially given his critical role throughout the series.
Bumrah has bowled extensively during the five-match series, often shouldering extra responsibility as other bowlers have struggled to make an impact.
Bumrah has been pivotal in India’s campaign, having taken 32 wickets so far. His performance has brought him within touching distance of surpassing Harbhajan Singh’s record for most wickets in a bilateral Test series between India and Australia. However, his current physical state casts doubt on his ability to achieve this milestone.
Adding to the pressure, Bumrah was tasked with leading the team in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who opted out of the final Test. This is the second time Bumrah has captained India in the series; he previously led the team to a commanding 295-run victory in the opening match.
Bumrah’s injury history adds to the concern. The pacer had suffered a career-threatening back injury a couple of years ago, which required surgery and an extended rehabilitation period before he could return to international cricket.
His comeback was carefully managed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but the grueling workload of this series in Australia appears to have taken its toll.
India’s chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hinge significantly on Bumrah’s availability. As one of the few bowlers capable of consistently troubling the Australian batters, his absence could severely impact the team’s performance in this decisive match.
The Indian camp is likely to approach Bumrah’s fitness with caution, weighing his immediate contributions against the potential risks of aggravating his injury. With the series on the line, the team must also rely on its other bowlers to step up and deliver in Bumrah’s potential absence.
As fans and teammates await updates on Bumrah’s condition, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands placed on fast bowlers, especially in high-stakes Test cricket. Whether or not Bumrah can overcome this setback, his contributions to the series have already cemented his status as one of the game’s premier bowlers.
