India vs Australia: Why this insensitivity to Jasprit Bumrah injury, How serious is it?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Superstar Jasprit Bumrah could not bowl on Sunday in the Sydney Test as India suffered a humiliating 1-3 defeat to Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series.

Even as coach Gautam Gambhir spoke on batters, failures and how all should play first-class cricket, the main topic of discussion at the press conference should have been Jasprit Bumrah's injury. To not throw more light on Bumrah's injury is callous. This is no way to ignore the superstar of the series.

We all know that Bumrah has had a major back issue when he broke down in a Test match in Birmingham in 2022. At that time, it was stupid he was rushed back into play too soon. Again, he had to take a break and come back fully fit. How can one forget Bumrah's 32-wicket haul in the BGT Series and being the biggest star from either side? He deserved more than a mention from coach Gambhir. It was good to see Sunil Gavaskar slam Gambhir and his coaching team for failing. Fans and well-wishers want to know to what extent is Bumrah injured.

A few experts myKhel spoke to felt Bumrah's injury is more than a spasm. It would have shown up in the MRI scan reports. Then why this intrigue, where updates are not given. Bumrah deserves a detailed discussion of what will be his rehab and return. Rushing him back would be foolish and the term workload management went out of the window.

Think of how Mohammed Shami sustained an injury in the ICC World Cup in 2023. Even at the end of 2024, Shami is not a 100 per cent fit. His Achilles Heel is fine, post-surgery and rehab. But the other knee swelling up after bowling 40 plus overs in the Ranji Trophy rendered him unfit again. Shami is no longer a topic of discussion, sadly. Of course, when it comes to the IPL 2025, Shami's IPL franchise will take care of him.

Back to Bumrah, every fan wants to know how he will cope with this setback. Is it only rest or is it going to be a long-term rehab plan? If it is a side strain, then the treatment and return cannot be rushed. For all those who have seen players get injured and go to the NCA in Bengaluru, it's an average place. Many cricketers who have gone there spent time never becoming fully fit.

Surely, Bumrah should not go there. He should choose his doctor, strength trainers and physios. For all those who have seen his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, herself a cricket anchor post such emotional messages on her X handle, it's not a PR drive. She is surely worried.

If Gambhir or the bowling coach Morne Morkel cares, there would be a detailed update. This intrigue over Bumrah and why his fitness and injury have not been discussed shows insensitivity. Is this how the superstar is treated for all his toil? If Bumrah is going to be the next Test captain, he needs to be protected.

The burden on him is a blunder. Blame it on Gambhir and the entire team management. Even Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the selection committee is a former fast bowler. Speak up, please. One man alone bowled 150 overs and is now out. On Saturday, Brett Lee had said, this injury could be serious. Hope that is not true.