New Delhi: Virat Kohli, India’s star batter, has assumed the role of Test captain once again, marking his first return to the position since 2021. With regular captain Rohit Sharma dropped and Jasprit Bumrah sidelined and potentially unavailable for the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Kohli took charge of the team in the second session. Under his leadership, India bowled out Australia for 181, gaining a 4-run lead.
India faced a significant setback on Saturday when skipper and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah left the stadium for precautionary scans after experiencing discomfort following just one over in the post-lunch session of Day 2 of the fifth Test. In Bumrah’s absence, Virat Kohli is currently leading the team. Bumrah, who had already claimed 32 wickets in the series, had impressive figures of 2/33 from 10 overs, including the crucial dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne in the morning session.
Where’s Jasprit Bumrah off to #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/P0yD1Q8pnV
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 4, 2025
Jasprit Bumrah has left the SCG: https://t.co/0nmjl6Qp2a pic.twitter.com/oQaygWRMyc
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025
After bowling a single over in his post-lunch spell, Jasprit Bumrah appeared to experience discomfort, possibly due to a side strain. He spoke to Virat Kohli before leaving the field, and the official broadcasters later showed him exiting the venue accompanied by the team’s security liaison officer Anshuman Upadhyay and the team doctor.
Earlier on Day 2, Bumrah, known for his calm demeanor, lost his composure after an Australian teenager made some remarks from the non-striker’s end. The dismissal of Usman Khawaja on the final ball of the day sparked a display of unity from the Indian team, with players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul rallying around Bumrah.
Rohit Sharma also shared his blunt opinion on the incident, defending his players and stating that the Australian cricketer provoked Bumrah first. “Humare ladke jab tak shaant hain tab tak shaant hain. Agar aap ungli kar rahe ho, tab thodi na koi shaant baithega. Cricket khelo, yeh faaltu ki cheezein, yeh bol bachchan karna shobha nahi deta hai,” he said. (Our boys remain calm as long as they are not provoked. If you are poking them, they will react. We are here to play cricket, not engage in nonsense. Such antics are not acceptable.
