The Indian team is having a race against the time in order to get 11 players fit and ready in time for the Brisbane Test. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, the team has shown great spirit during this series. With 1-1 score line going into the Brisbane Test, the touring party would be eyeing back to back series win Down Under. 

After the Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the final Test. On the following day, Jasprit Bumrah was also ruled out. According to a source close to the Indian team, the young pacer is in a bad shape after the end of the Sydney Test.

“He had complained of some discomfort during the third Test in Sydney. But he soldiered on. Now, he looks in very bad shape after the Test finished on Monday,” the source was quoted by TOI. 

It will be a miracle if Jasprit Bumrah regains fitness: source

The source further said that Bumrah could not even walk properly on Monday evening and said it is highly unlikely that he will play in Brisbane.

“It will be a big call to push him to play the next match. He could barely walk on Monday evening. It will be a miracle if he regains fitness for the match on Friday. The call that the management needs to take is if they are willing to risk Bumrah aggravating his injury. What happens if he breaks down in the middle of the match? Thus, it looks highly unlikely that he will be playing at the Gabba at the moment,” the source said.

Very basic net sessions for India in coming days

Talking about the fitness of other players, the source revealed that many players are on sedatives. 

“Most of the players are on sedatives. They look exhausted. The team is trying to stay upbeat. There will be no intense gym sessions. If at all, there will be very basic sessions. Even the nets over the next two days will be very light to keep the players in touch. Probably, nets will be optional. The team management doesn’t want to risk any other player collapsing before the final Test,” the source revealed.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s wife had also revealed on social media that he couldn’t stand up properly before the final day’s play in Sydney. Mayank Agarwal, who was likely to replace Hanuma Vihari has also suffered a niggle. This could also give an opportunity to Prithvi Shaw.