Concerns regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness have intensified following his injury scare during the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. After clutching his inner thigh while bowling with the second new ball, Bumrah required medical attention, raising alarms within the Indian camp. As the team’s primary strike bowler, his fitness is crucial, especially with Mohammed Shami absent from the squad.

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif emphasized that Bumrah cannot be given long spells due to his significance to the team’s success. He warned that if Bumrah were to break down, India’s chances in the ongoing five-Test series, currently tied at 1-1, would diminish drastically. “You can’t give long spells to Bumrah; he’s the only bowler,” Kaif stated, highlighting the team's heavy reliance on him.

Despite initial assurances from India’s bowling coach MorneMorkel that Bumrah was fine and merely dealing with cramping, doubts lingered. Former Australian pacer Damien Fleming expressed skepticism about Bumrah’s condition, suggesting it might be more serious than just a cramp. He noted that Bumrah’s reduced pace and discomfort during the second innings raised further questions.

As India prepares for the third Test at the Gabba, Rohit Sharma has been advised to manage Bumrah carefully to ensure he remains fit throughout the series.