Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, left the field during the second day of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground, due to a niggle. As Bumrah exited the field, Virat Kohli took over as stand-in captain. The extent of Bumrah’s injury remains uncertain, but reports confirmed that he was escorted off the ground by India’s team doctor for scans at a nearby hospital.
Bumrah initially left the field at the stroke of lunch and briefly returned after the break to bowl one over. However, he left again and replaced on the field by substitute fielder Abhimanyu Easwaran. Before his departure, Bumrah spoke briefly with Kohli, likely informing him of his discomfort while bowling.
Kohli quickly assumed leadership, making crucial bowling changes. Under his guidance, young bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy stepped up, helping India bowl Australia out for 181, securing a narrow 4-run lead.
While Bumrah later returned to the dressing room in the final session of Day 2, there was still no official confirmation regarding the severity of his injury. Given that Bumrah is both India’s best strike bowler and the captain for the Test in Rohit Sharma’s absence, his condition could significantly influence the remainder of the match and the series.
At the Tea break, Star Sports anchor Mayanti Langer speculated that Bumrah’s injury might be related to his back, a part of his body that previously required surgery.
Earlier in the day, Bumrah had made an impactful contribution to India’s defense, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne early with a delivery that shaped away from the off stump. With his 32nd wicket of the series, Bumrah surpassed the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi’s record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in Australia during a single Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
As the day progresses, the cricket world watches closely for updates on Bumrah’s fitness, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in India’s chances of winning the series.
