Ricky Ponting drops bombshell theory about the seriousness of Jasprit Bumrah's injury

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Aussie Test legend Ricky Ponting has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah's back injury is more serious than India are letting on - with new theories emerging about why he went to hospital.

With the Test series on the line at the SCG, Bumrah's injury on Saturday rocked India.

On Saturday night it was revealed the superstar bowler was suffering from back spasms and went to hospital for scans, but there's the injury is more serious.

Sunday could be the final day of the series, and India desperately need Bumrah available to bowl if they are to defend a tricky fourth-innings target.

The top-ranked bowler in the world has taken 32 wickets for the series at an average of 13.06, the most of any Indian bowlers in a series in Australia.

But he has seemingly bowled himself into the ground in the process, bowling 151 overs for the series, the most of any Indian player.

Ricky Ponting has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah's injury is more serious than India are saying

With the Test series on the line at the SCG, Bumrah's injury rocked India

On Sunday morning, Ponting cast doubt on the back spasms explanation. 'It seemed like a real worry for me,' Ponting told Channel 7. 

'They said back spasms when he got back (to the SCG).

'[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.'

Journalist Peter Lalor suggested that Bumrah might have gone to hospital for injections. 

'My mail is he didn't go for a scan,' he told Channel 7. 

 'They have scanning machines in the dressing rooms. He went for an injection. Probably Cortisone.' 

Bumrah changed out of his whites with "scans" to determine the severity of the mystery injury

The Indian spearhead has been outstanding throughout the series

On Sunday morning, Bumrah did not bowl alongside the rest of India's bowlers in the warm up.

It remains to be seen whether India are keeping Bumrah on ice in the hope he is fit to bowl later on Sunday, or if his series with the ball is effectively over.

India need to win in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.