India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah raised concerns during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after leaving the field twice due to an apparent injury. Bumrah was later seen leaving the venue with support staff, sparking fears over his fitness.
Coming into bowl immediately after lunch with Australia reeling at 105-5, Bumrah’s speeds dropped notably, hovering in the low 120s—a stark contrast to his usual fiery pace. After completing just one over in the session, he walked off the field, leaving Virat Kohli to take over captaincy duties in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who opted to sit out the match due to poor form.
The official broadcasters captured visuals of Bumrah leaving the SCG in his training kit, heading for a scan accompanied by team staff.
This marks the second time Bumrah exited the field during the match. He briefly left for 30 minutes before lunch, only to return for a short spell in the second session. With a bowling workload that has been under scrutiny throughout the series, Bumrah’s injury scare couldn’t have come at a worse time for India.
Bumrah, who has bowled 908 deliveries in the series—second only to Australia’s Pat Cummins (912)—has been pivotal for India. His 32 wickets in the series, including the dismissal of Usman Khawaja overnight and Marnus Labuschagne for just 2 on Day 2, are the most by an Indian bowler in a bilateral Test series in Australia.
| Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Deliveries Bowled | Key Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 32 | 908 | Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja |
Virat Kohli, who led India to a memorable win in the series opener in Perth, resumed captaincy duties during Bumrah’s absence. Kohli’s leadership experience added calmness to an Indian side already feeling the heat in a crucial decider. Substitute fielder Abhimanyu Easwaran replaced Bumrah on the field as the team awaited further updates on the pacer’s condition.
Despite Bumrah’s absence, India managed to dismiss Australia for 181. Prasidh Krishna stepped up in the bowling department, claiming figures of 3-42. India’s disciplined effort ensured a modest target as they geared up to bat under high stakes with the series hanging in the balance.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah’s potential injury raises significant concerns. Having missed nearly a year of cricket between September 2022 and August 2023 due to a back injury, his fitness remains critical. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at stake and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy looming, Bumrah’s absence could derail India’s plans.
India will hope their pace spearhead’s injury is not severe as they aim to close out the series and retain the prestigious trophy Down Under.
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