On Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the SCG in Sydney, India's interim captain Jasprit Bumrah departed the pitch due to a niggle, and Virat Kohli resumed leadership duties. It is yet unclear how serious Bumrah's injury is, but the top-ranked fast bowler in the world has left the pitch with the Indian team doctor to have scans.
At the stroke of lunch on Saturday, Bumrah left the pitch for the first time. He returned to bowl one over after the break. However, he departed the pitch once more. He was replaced on the field by Abhimanyu Easwaran, a substitute fielder.
Bumrah was observed speaking briefly with Kohli before leaving the pitch, presumably to let him know about the pain he was experiencing while bowling. After then, Kohli took the role of captain. He got to work right away, making quick bowling changes. India took a 4-run lead after bowling Australia out for 181 thanks to vital breakthroughs from young players Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kuma Reddy.
Nevertheless, Bumrah's injury might have a significant impact on how this Test and the series play out. In addition to being India's top strike bowler, he is also the captain for this Test match in place of normal captain Rohit Sharma, who opted to sit out the series final because of his poor batting performance. Bumrah's ability to bowl in the second innings is still uncertain.
The Indian team’s management has yet to release an official statement on Bumrah's condition, but sources suggest a clearer picture will emerge after the scans.
India’s tour of Australia has been fiercely contested, with both teams battling it out in high-stakes encounters. Bumrah’s injury could pose a significant challenge for India as they navigate the remainder of the series. Kohli’s return as captain, however, offers a silver lining, with his leadership experience likely to prove invaluable.