India faced a significant setback on Saturday when skipper and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah left the stadium for precautionary scans. He felt discomfort after bowling a single over in the post-lunch session on the second day of the fifth Test. Virat Kohli took charge as captain in his absence. Bumrah, who had already taken 32 wickets in the series, had figures of 2/33 in 10 overs, including the important wicket of Marnus Labuschagne in the morning. However, after one over in the post-lunch spell, he seemed to experience discomfort, possibly a side strain. He spoke with Kohli before leaving the field, and later, broadcast footage showed him departing the venue in an SUV with the team’s security liaison officer, Anshuman Upadhyay, and the team doctor.

Earlier on Day 2, Bumrah, known for his composed nature, lost his cool when an Australian teenager made provocative comments 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 Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and others rallying behind Bumrah.

Rohit Sharma also offered his perspective on the incident, defending his teammates and emphasizing that the Australian player had instigated Bumrah. “Our boys stay calm as long as they are not provoked. If you’re going to poke them, they’re not going to sit silently. We’re here to play cricket, not to engage in unnecessary antics. This kind of behavior doesn’t reflect well,” he said.