Jasprit Bumrah misses India's training session, raises injury concerns

In two matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, India has experienced contrasting results. While a commanding 295-run victory gave the visitors an early lead, Australia quickly drew level with a dominant performance under the pink ball in Adelaide. While the 10-wicket defeat is a significant setback to fathom, India has a fair chance at defending the trophy and vie for a spot in the WTC Final. The team knows that to capitalize on their remaining opportunities, they must focus on moving forward. With the third Test set to begin on December 14 in Brisbane at the iconic Gabba, the team held a training session at the Adelaide Oval. However, a notable absentee from the session was ace seamer and India's guaranteed match-winner, Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah's absence from training: Workload management or injury concern?

Before heading to Brisbane, the Indian team participated in a practice session at the Adelaide Oval. As preparations began for the Brisbane Test, the third in the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy series, primary seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were notably absent. Meanwhile, other bowlers integral to India’s campaign Down Under, such as Harshit Rana, were seen bowling at full intensity to Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the nets. With Mohammed Shami unavailable, the fitness of these pacers remains critical for the team against the Kangaroos.

A report from the Australian media stated that both Siraj and Bumrah missed the practice session ahead of the Gabba Test. Under normal circumstances, their absence might have been attributed to workload management by the team management. However, concerns have emerged regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. He was reportedly spotted working with India’s strength and conditioning coach on the sidelines. This follows an incident during the 20th over of Australia’s first innings in the Adelaide Test, where Bumrah was seen clutching his inner thigh in discomfort. Although he quickly returned to bowl and bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed the issue as mere cramps, his reduced pace in the second innings has raised further questions about his fitness.

The team has limited options if things go awry in Australia. Bumrah has emerged as a pivotal figure, almost solely carrying India’s hopes in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. His availability is central to the team’s plans for overcoming the Kangaroos. While Shami is bowling consistently in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, there is no clarity on whether he can join the squad in Australia. If Bumrah is ruled out of the Gabba Test, Akash Deep might be called upon, which would likely thrust Siraj into the role of the attack leader, a position he handled successfully during India’s historic victory at the Gabba four years ago.