Border Gavaskar Trophy: Did India miss Jasprit Bumrah on Day 3 of the Sydney Test?

On Day 3 of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia in Sydney, India set a target of just 162 runs for the hosts. Despite the challenging target, Australia managed to chase it down with six wickets in hand, sealing a dominant 3-1 series victory. This win also secured their place in the World Test Championship 2025 final, eliminating India from the race. India’s performance in the second innings was hampered by a key injury to captain Jasprit Bumrah. The star pacer, who had been leading the attack, was forced to sit out due to a back spasm, significantly affecting India’s bowling strength. Without Bumrah’s presence, the remaining Indian pacers struggled to make an impact, and despite their best efforts, they could only pick up four wickets.

Australia’s batsmen, led by some crucial contributions, comfortably managed to achieve the required target. India’s failure to capitalize on key moments in the game and the absence of their captain with the ball proved to be the decisive factors. While the bowlers did their best, Australia’s clinical chase was a testament to their resilience and consistency. The series defeat and India’s exclusion from the World Test Championship final left the team with a lot to reflect on ahead of future challenges.

India's journey in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a tale of frustration, with their sole victory coming in the opening Test in Perth. From that point onward, it was a downhill struggle for the visitors, as Australia dominated the remainder of the series. Jasprit Bumrah, however, was a rare standout for India, producing some exceptional performances with the ball. The pacer finished the series with a remarkable 32 wickets across five Tests, equalling a record in the process.

Despite his personal achievements, Bumrah's frustration was palpable, especially after he was sidelined from bowling in the second innings of the final Test due to a back spasm. The pacer was particularly disappointed at missing out on the chance to bowl on what he described as the "spiciest pitch of the series." His absence from the attack during a critical phase of the game added to India’s woes.

"It's a little frustrating, but sometimes you've got to respect your body, you can't fight your body. It's a little disappointing in the end because I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series, but that's the way it is. Sometimes, you have to accept it and move forward," said India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in a recent interview. 

“With a bowler short, the others had to take responsibility. The chat this morning was about the same thing, about having belief and showing character. Lots of ifs and buts, the whole series was fought hard, we were in the game today as well, not like we were out of it, this is how Test cricket goes. Being in the game for longer, creating pressure, absorbing pressure and playing to the situation are all important. You have to adapt to the situations and these learnings will help us in the future," he added.