BGT 2024-25: Ponting questions India’s 'back spasms' explanation for Bumrah’s absence
Xtra Time Web Desk: India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah missed Day 3 of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the Indian team attributing his absence to ‘back spasms.’ However, speculations about a more serious injury gained traction after former Australian captain Ricky Ponting cast doubt on the explanation.
Bumrah had earlier left the field on Day 2 and was reportedly taken to a hospital in an ambulance, sparking concerns about his fitness. While the Indian camp stated that the pacer underwent scans, senior journalist Peter Lalor suggested otherwise. Speaking to Channel 7, Lalor claimed Bumrah had gone for an injection, possibly Cortisone, rather than scans. "My mail is he didn't go for a scan," said Lalor. “They have scanning machines in the dressing rooms. He went for an injection. Probably Cortisone.”
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The fast bowler’s recent injury history, including surgery for a stress fracture in 2023, has only intensified apprehensions. With the Champions Trophy just a month away, India is likely to handle the situation with extra caution.
Addressing the media after Day 2, teammate Prasidh Krishna maintained that Bumrah’s condition was being monitored by the medical team. "He had a back spasm," Krishna said. "He has gone for scans so the medical team is monitoring. We'll know (whether he will keep playing) when the medical team gets back to us."
However, Bumrah’s absence during the warm-up drills on Day 3 raised further doubts. Ponting, speaking on Channel 7, speculated that the Indian team might not be revealing the complete picture. "It seemed like a real worry for me," Ponting remarked.
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He added, "[But] he's running up the stairs. He ran off the field. That's not signs or symptoms of back spasms. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope it is. I would love to see him take further part in this game and not be out for an extended period of time again like he was with the stress fractures a couple of years ago."
As concerns grow, fans eagerly await updates on Bumrah’s condition and his availability for the rest of the series.
