Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness has become a major concern for the Indian team after the star pacer showed signs of discomfort during the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide. Bumrah clutched his inner thigh in the first over with the second new ball in Australia’s first innings in Adelaide, leaving the Indian camp visibly anxious in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
With no clarity on Mohammed Shami’s availability for the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia, Jasprit Bumrah is the backbone of India’s bowling attack and currently, the only player consistently worrying Australian batsmen in the Trophy Border-Gavaskar 2024-25 ongoing.
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness leaves India vulnerable in Australia Test series
As Australia recovers from the Perth defeat and draws the five-match series 1-1 in the Adelaide Test, the Indian cricket team’s challenges increase with concerns over Bumrah’s fitness. Mohammed Siraj has shown glimpses of promise, but is yet to reach the level of experience and impact that Mohammed Shami or Bumrah bring to the national team.
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Harshit Rana struggled against Travis Head, who took advantage of his inexperience and scored 140 runs during the Pink-ball Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. This leaves captain Rohit Sharma with limited bowling options, making Jasprit Bumrah the key player to keep India’s hopes alive in the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia.
Keeping this in mind, the Indian cricket team management and Rohi Sharma are taking extra precautions to ensure that Bumrah does not overexert himself. The strategy to preserve the pacer has been to bowl shorter as his fitness could be the deciding factor in India’s chances of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the third consecutive time in Australia.
Rohit Sharma was not up to the mark as captain: Mohammad Kaif
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on India’s performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, emphasizing that there is no need to panic as the Test series in course is tied 1-1. However, Kaif called for better planning and tactical decisions, saying Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has room for improvement.
Mohammad Kaif said in a video shared on his social media: “There is no need to panic so much; It’s just 1-1. Alright. We have lost a test; There is no need to behave as if all is lost. Planning must be better; Tactical moves must come into play. “Rohit Sharma was not up to the mark as captain.”
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Furthermore, Mohammad Kaif highlighted the heavy dependence on Jasprit Bumrah, especially since key players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are not in the playing XI. He explained that Bumrah is India’s only reliable bowler at the moment and if he gets injured, the series could be lost.
You can’t give long spells to Jasprit Bumrah: Kaif
To avoid this, Kaif suggested that Rohit Sharma should manage Bumrah’s workload by giving him shorter stints, ensuring that the pacer stays fit and avoids breakdowns during the crucial matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
Kaif said goodbye saying: “And, of course, Jasprit Bumrah. You can’t give long spells to Bumrah. He is the only bowler. I have never seen a team that depends on just one player. Ashwin is not playing; Jadeja is not playing. If Bumrah gets injured, you forget about the series. That’s why Rohit Sharma is giving him short spells. Bumrah is being taken care of. Rohit Sharma has been told to take care of him so that he stays fit. It should not collapse since it is the only one that sets the pace.”
Rohit form? Virat and Outside out of deliveries? Bumrah’s workload? Siraj’s behavior?
Australia vs India, BGT report card#CricketConKaif11 #bgt2024 pic.twitter.com/aHFSUkTrUP
—Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 9, 2024