Virat Kohli takes over as India captain after Jasprit Bumrah leaves SCG for scans: Report

Virat Kohli returned as India cricket team’s captain in a stand-in capacity on Saturday as Jasprit Bumrah was forced to leave the Sydney Cricket Ground for scans. The Indian cricket team was dealt a massive blow on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth and final Test between India and Australia after captain Bumrah, who is the official stand-in captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence, had to leave the pitch after facing discomfort while bowling.

Bumrah leaves SCG for precautionary scans

Bumrah had initially left the field shortly before lunch but returned after the break to bowl one over. However, he struggled with his pace and left the pitch again. Later Fox Sports visuals showed him getting in a car and leaving the ground. Bumrah was in his training kit and was accompanied by a medical staff.

Bumrah reportedly left for a hospital to undergo precautionary scans as he appeared to have facing side strain issues. The senior pacer took two wickets for 3 as Australia were bowled out for 181 in reply to India’s first innings total of 185.

Kohli takes over as India captain

In Bumrah’s absence, Kohli is leading the team with regular captain Rohit Sharma sitting out of the match. Rohit sat out of the match due to poor form, having only scored 31 runs in five innings in the series. The skipper, however, confirmed that it was his own decision to give the Sydney Test a miss and he is in no mood to retire.

“This decision is not about retirement, I am not leaving. I am sitting out of this match because runs are not coming,” Rohit told Star Sports during Lunch break on Day 2 of the fifth Test. “There’s no guarantee poor form will continue after 5 months, and there’s no guarantee poor form will continue after 2 months. In cricket, we have seen life changes every day every minute every second I believe in myself that things will change. At the same time, I will have to be realistic as well.”

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The fifth and final Tests of the Border-Gavaskar 2024-25 series in Sydney is a must-win match for the Indian cricket team. A defeat or draw will see Australia qualify for the World Test Championship (2025 final).