gavaskar-warns-200-runs-not-enough-without-bumrah-fit

India finds itself in a critical position as the final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unfolds at the Sydney Cricket Ground. At the end of Day Two, the visitors hold a 145-run lead over Australia, but the fitness of their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, has become a significant concern.

 

During the second session on Day Two, Bumrah bowled only one over after the lunch break, noticeably lacking his usual pace. Shortly after, he left the field following a brief discussion with skipper Virat Kohli.

 

Later, visuals showed him leaving the stadium with the team doctor and a security officer for scans. Bumrah returned to the dressing room, but his availability for the remainder of the match remains uncertain.

 

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed serious concerns about the impact of Bumrah’s potential absence.

 

According to Gavaskar, a lead of 200 runs may not be enough to defend if the fast bowler is unable to play on Day Three. Gavaskar noted that Bumrah’s fitness could be the determining factor in India’s chances of securing victory.

 

Speaking on a cricket broadcast, Gavaskar emphasised that even a 40-run addition to India’s current lead might not suffice without Bumrah’s contribution. He highlighted the bowler’s ability to trouble Australian batsmen, who have struggled to counter his pace and precision throughout the series.

 

Prasidh Krishna, addressing the media at the end of the day, confirmed that Bumrah had been taken for scans due to back spasms. However, he refrained from providing a definitive update on Bumrah’s availability.

 

Krishna assured that the medical team is closely monitoring the situation and will share updates as they become available.

 

Gavaskar also praised the Indian team’s tactical approach to managing the situation. He commended the decision to maintain secrecy regarding Bumrah’s fitness, stating that it prevents the Australian side from gaining an advantage.

 

According to Gavaskar, withholding such critical information keeps the opposition uncertain, disrupting their plans and strategies.