'There’s no way that’s cramp' - Former Australian cricketer's take on Jasprit Bumrah's injury scare in BGT 2024

Former Australian cricketer Damien Fleming raised concerns over India's pacer Jasprit Bumrah's fitness after watching him down on the ground during the second Test match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. Bumrah is the best bowler on the team, and an injury scare around him would mean India are in danger. Fleming spoke about Bumrah's injury, mentioning that it didn't look like a 'cramp.'

"There’s got to be some serious doubts. Siraj might be workload [related] but I’m bemused Bumrah bowled that over. They could have hid this. They showed their hand. There’s no way that’s cramp. He was very ginger after the break in the first innings. He bowled again, not quite as slow in the second innings. I don’t even know why he bowled that over [in the second innings]. That actually gave some secrets away to everyone," said Fleming on SEN Radio. 

Bumrah was outstanding in both the games, taking eight wickets in the first match and four wickets in the second. He was the only consistent player on the team, and the opponent batters were terrified of his bowling. He maintained a proper line and length which troubled the batters. Not having Bumrah around would make India's victory tougher than expected. 

India's qualification scenario in World Test Championship 2025 finals

Despite winning the first match with a huge margin, India went on to lose the second game against Australia in the BGT 2024. The Pink Ball Test was a horrific and forgettable experience for the Indian team. With the loss, India's qualification scenarios seem even more impossible. South Africa have won two Test matches and are on the verge of qualification. They just have to win one game out of two against Pakistan. 

In the case of India, they have three more games left out, of which they have to win two and draw one to qualify for the finals. Australia are also in the competition as they have five games left. They will have to win three games out of five to qualify and the last two games will be in Sri Lanka. Hence, India's qualification scenario depends completely upon their wins in the upcoming games.