On Day 2 of the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the SCG, Virat Kohli assumed captaincy responsibilities for India as stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah left the field due to a niggle. The exact nature and severity of Bumrah’s injury remain unclear, but it has been confirmed that the world’s No.1 fast bowler was taken to a nearby hospital for scans, accompanied by the Indian team doctor.

Television footage showed Bumrah, dressed in a training kit, departing the ground in a car en route to the hospital. The pacer initially exited just before lunch but returned briefly after the break to bowl one over before leaving again. Substitute fielder Abhimanyu Easwaran stepped in for him on the field.

Before exiting, Bumrah had a quick discussion with Kohli, seemingly explaining his discomfort. Kohli promptly took charge, implementing effective bowling changes that resulted in key breakthroughs by young bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kuma Reddy, helping India dismiss Australia for 181 and secure a narrow 4-run lead.

Bumrah’s potential absence looms large over the match and the series outcome. Besides being India’s leading strike bowler, he is also captaining in place of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who stepped aside due to poor form. Reports suggest Bumrah might have aggravated a back injury, which he previously underwent surgery for.

Earlier in the day, Bumrah dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, marking his 32nd wicket of the series, surpassing Bishan Singh Bedi’s 1977-78 record as the highest wicket-taker for India in Australia.