Jasprit Bumrah, who achieved an extraordinary feat as an Indian fast bowler by taking a record 32 wickets during the Test series in Australia, faced a disappointing conclusion to his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Throughout the contest, he was the sole beacon of hope for India, especially as the performance of the batting lineup faltered and the bowling resources appeared limited. Unfortunately, he had to withdraw from the series just a day before its conclusion in Sydney due to a back injury.

On the second day of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Bumrah exited the field and was promptly taken to the hospital for a scan. He did not return to play, nor did he bowl in the final innings, as Australia successfully chased down 162 runs to secure the trophy for the first time since 2015.

However, a report from Fox Sports indicated that the injury had occurred a week earlier in Melbourne.

During the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Bumrah once again demonstrated his prowess by dismantling the Australian batting order on Day 4, taking the wickets of Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and Alex Carey within a few overs. Later, a video that gained significant traction on social media showed Indian captain Rohit Sharma pleading with Bumrah to return for another over in an effort to dismiss either Nathan Lyon or Scott Boland. The 31-year-old was heard telling Rohit that he lacked the strength to continue, stating, "Bas abhi. Nahi lag raha hai zor." [Enough now. I'm not able to push more].

The lower-order batsmen ultimately managed to endure until they were dismissed, contributing a resilient 61-run partnership, during which they even faced the last over bowled by Bumrah.

The report indicated that after the umpires removed the bails on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, ten Indian players along with the two Australian batsmen proceeded towards the dressing room, with the exception of Bumrah. The vice-captain of India remained alone in the center of the MCG pitch, visibly fatigued. He remained bent over for several moments, resting his hands on his knees while taking deep breaths.

This moment, though largely unnoticed, was significant as it raised concerns regarding workload and may have contributed to the injury sustained in Sydney. "The damage was done, even though it would not become apparent for nearly another week. India had compromised its key player," the report stated.

Bumrah returned the following morning to claim the final wicket, achieving his third five-wicket haul in the series, having bowled a total of 53.2 overs in the match, marking the highest number of overs he has bowled in a single Test.

BCCI yet to confirm grade of Bumrah's injury

The medical team of the BCCI has not yet provided an official update regarding the severity of Bumrah's suspected back injury. Should Bumrah's injury be classified as grade 1, a rehabilitation period of at least two to three weeks will be necessary before he can return to play. In the event of a grade 2 injury, the recovery period may extend to six weeks, while a grade 3 injury, which is the most serious, necessitates a minimum of three months dedicated to rest and rehabilitation programs.

Read Also: Brad Hogg Critiques Australia Coach's 'Intimidation' Claims Against Team India

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!