Rohit Sharma tagged the Kingpin behind India's loss to Australia in Adelaide

Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness has become a major concern for Team India after the star pacer showed signs of discomfort during the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide. Bumrah clutched his inner thigh in the first over with the second new ball in Australia's first innings in Adelaide, leaving the Indian camp visibly anxious in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

With no clarity over Mohammed Shami’s availability for the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia, Jasprit Bumrah is the backbone of India’s bowling attack and currently, the only bowler consistently troubling the Australian batters in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness leaves India vulnerable in Australia Test Series

As Australia bounced back from the Perth defeat and leveled the five-match Test series 1-1 in the Adelaide Test, the Indian cricket team’s challenges are mounting with Bumrah’s fitness concerns. Mohammed Siraj has shown glimpses of promise but is yet to reach the level of experience and impact that Mohammed Shami or Bumrah bring in for the national side.

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Harshit Rana struggled against Travis Head, who capitalized on his inexperience and match-winning 140 runs during the Pink-ball Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. This leaves captain Rohit Sharma with limited bowling options, making Jasprit Bumrah the key player to keep India’s hopes alive in the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia.

Given that, the Indian cricket team management and Rohi Sharma are taking extra precautions to ensure Bumrah doesn’t overexert himself. Shorter bowling spells have been the strategy to preserve the pacer, as his fitness could be the deciding factor in India’s chances of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the straight third time in Australia.

Rohit Sharma was not up to the mark as captain: Mohammad Kaif

Meanwhile, the former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on India's performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, emphasizing there’s no need to panic as the ongoing Test series is tied at 1-1. However, Kaif called for better planning and tactical decisions, saying Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has room for improvement.

Mohammad Kaif said in a video shared on his social media handles: “No need to panic that much; it's just 1-1. It's alright. We've lost one Test; there is no need to behave like all is lost. The planning needs to be better; tactical moves need to come into play. Rohit Sharma was not up to the mark as captain.”

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Furthermore, Mohammad Kaif highlighted the heavy reliance on Jasprit Bumrah, especially with key players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja not in the playing XI. He explained that Bumrah is India’s only dependable bowler right now, and if he gets injured, the series could be lost.

You can't give long spells to Jasprit Bumrah: Kaif

To prevent this, Kaif suggested Rohit Sharma should manage Bumrah’s workload by giving him shorter spells, ensuring the pacer stays fit and avoids breaking down during the crucial matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

Kaif signed off by saying, “And of course, Jasprit Bumrah. You can't give long spells to Bumrah. He's the only bowler. I have never seen a team that depends on only one player. Ashwin is not playing; Jadeja is not playing. If Bumrah gets injured, you forget about the series. That's why Rohit Sharma is giving him short spells. Bumrah is being looked after. Rohit Sharma has been told to take care of him so that he stays fit. He shouldn't break down as he is the lone pacer.”

Rohit form? Virat and Outside off deliveries? Bumrah Workload? Siraj Behaviour?

Australia v India, BGT Report Card#CricketWithKaif11 #bgt2024 pic.twitter.com/aHFSUkTrUP

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 9, 2024