The Indian cricket team faced a worrying situation at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday. During the IND vs AUS fifth Test, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah left the field during the second session. After a productive morning where Bumrah dismissed the in-form Marnus Labuschagne, he surprisingly took just one over post-lunch before exiting the ground alongside the team doctor and BCCI’s integrity manager. Speculations are rife as broadcasters flashed visuals of him departing the venue, suggesting an urgent scan was needed. This incident has reignited discussions about Bumrah’s recurring injury concerns.
A chronic struggle with injuries
The concern over Bumrah’s fitness stems from a history of injuries that have hindered his career, particularly over the last couple of years. It began before the 2022 Asia Cup, from which Bumrah had to withdraw due to back issues. Following this, he attempted a comeback during the T20I series against South Africa in September 2022. However, a stress reaction in his lower back forced him to pull out once again, ultimately ruling him out of the 2022 T20 World Cup—a significant setback for both him and the Indian squad.
In early 2023, more optimism surrounded his return when Bumrah was included in India’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series. Yet, back discomfort persisted, preventing him from participating. This injury cascade meant that Bumrah also missed the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), the crucial Test series against Australia, and the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The road ahead for Bumrah
Bumrah’s recurring injury issues have sparked concern among fans and experts who stress the importance of managing his workload to ensure longevity in his career. While discussions about his leadership potential float around, the priority remains his full recovery and sustainable fitness. As India continues to await official news on his current condition post-SCG exit, supporters hope for a swift return and injury-free future for this indispensable pace spearhead.