"You need Bumrah for the initial breakthroughs" - Indian legend rates their chances of winning BGT 2024-25 5th Test without star bowler

Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar reckons the tourists will find it tough to defend a sub-par total in the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney without Jasprit Bumrah. Gavaskar believes the visiting side will require Bumrah to get the early breakthroughs.

The No.1 ranked Test bowler is currently suffering from a back spasm as fellow teammate Prasidh Krishna revealed after Day 2. Bumrah had gone for scans after lunch on the second day and was only able to send down 10 overs in the first innings.

When asked about the national team's chances of winning in Sydney without Bumrah, the 75-year-old feels he wouldn't rule it out. However, he feels Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are not of the same quality.

Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar stated:

"Not too much (chance). Without Jasprit Bumrah, it’s going to be very difficult for India to win the Test match. I’m not saying it’s impossible as funny things have happened in cricket. Prasidh Krishna, after a disappointing first spell, came back brilliantly to get rid of Steve Smith and Alex Carey. If he bowls the way he did maybe he can be effective, but you need Bumrah for the initial breakthroughs. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh may not have the same effect that Bumrah will bring."

Jasprit Bumrah has arguably been the standout bowler across both sides in the series. The 31-year-old has picked up a staggering 32 scalps in the series but is uncertain of bowling in the fourth innings as the visitors chase a win in Sydney.

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"This flaw has become embedded in his technique" - Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli's struggles

Virat Kohli. (Image Credits: Getty)

Gavaskar reckons that ace batter Virat Kohli getting significantly on the front foot is bringing upon his downfall. He was dismissed eight times out of nine innings while poking at an outside-the-off-stump delivery.

He said in the aforementioned report:

"It’s not a temperament issue; it’s a technical fault. He's so front-footed that when the ball bounces, he's unable to adjust, which leads to him hanging his bat outside the line and getting out. This flaw has become embedded in his technique, and on pitches with significant bounce, he will continue to struggle."

At stumps on Day 2, India finished with a lead of 145 and are marginally ahead in the contest.