Team India has suffered another setback as their superstar pacer Jasprit Bumrah has sustained an injury ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener.
Jasprit Bumrah's injury, a big setback for India head of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
This injury poses a major challenge for the team, especially considering that Bumrah is expected to lead India's brigade in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma in the series opener in Perth. The first Test of the series is scheduled to commence on November 22nd in Perth.
As the designated vice-captain of the Indian team, Jasprit Bumrah assumed the role of captain for the first Test in Rohit Sharma's absence. Rohit Sharma opted to skip the first Test to be with his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, who gave birth to their second child on November 15th. He is expected to rejoin the team ahead of the second Test in Adelaide.
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According to reports from journalists Ben Horne and Dan Cherny, who were present at the Perth Stadium during India's practice sessions, Jasprit Bumrah sustained a shoulder injury while batting in the nets. The incident occurred when he was struck by a delivery from a net bowler. Despite the initial pain, Bumrah appeared to recover quickly and was later seen interacting with the net bowlers.
Jasprit Bumrah, despite playing only 40 Test matches, has established himself as an indispensable asset to the Indian cricket team. His exceptional bowling skills and intimidating presence make him a formidable force for any opposition. His record against Australia is particularly impressive, with 32 wickets in 7 Tests at an average of 21.25 and an economy rate of 2.47.Travis Head, the Australian batsman, recently acknowledged Bumrah's impact on the Indian team, describing him as the 'X-factor'. During an interview with Fox Cricket, Head praised Bumrah's ability to change the course of a match with his exceptional bowling.
"Impossible (to face). You try to feel like you’re one step ahead, but it always feels like he’s that next step. Any format of the game, he’s incredible. He’s their X-factor, he’s the guy they go to every time, and more often than not, he’s able to produce for them. In big moments you want big players, and I think he’s their biggest," Head said.
Khaleel Ahmed returns home after injury setback in Australia
Meanwhile, injury continues to grapple Team India ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Besides Bumrah, Shubman Gill has already fractured his finger. Not just this, India's reserve bowler Khaleel Ahmed also sustained injury ahead of series opener in Perth. Left-arm seamer Yash Dayal has been added to the squad, replacing Khaleel Ahmed who had to return home due to a minor injury. Dayal, who was part of the Test squad for the Bangladesh series, was recently in South Africa for the T20I series but didn't get a chance to play. After Khaleel's injury, Dayal was flown directly to Perth. Khaleel's injury could potentially impact his participation in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As a released player from Delhi Capitals, he would likely be keen to impress in the domestic T20 tournament to attract bids in the upcoming IPL auction.
