In 2016, a new face appeared in international cricket with a different style. Jasprit Bumrah caught everyone’s eye with his unique run-up. His skillful yorkers and clever slower balls quickly made him a standout player in limited-overs cricket. Surprisingly, these talents not only made him a showstopper but also took him to the top of the rankings in all formats of the game. The turning point was the Vizag Test, where Bumrah achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the second Indian, after Virat Kohli, and only the third Asian player, after Shakib-al-Hasan and Virat Kohli, to reach the number 1 spot in all three formats of the game.
Cricket experts believed Jasprit Bumrah would do well in shorter formats, much like Lasith Malinga, since Bumrah had similar skills. But the big question was whether he could do the same in Test Cricket. Test matches demand various skills beyond just having good yorkers and slower balls. Not many expected that Bumrah had all the necessary abilities to thrive in that format.
Jasprit Bumrah wanted to do well in Test cricket because he thought he had the skills for it. His dream came true in South Africa in 2018 when he got the chance to play in the Cape Town Test. Bumrah’s disciplined and clever bowling immediately got attention in Test cricket.
Ravi Shastri, the coach at that time, and Virat Kohli, the captain, trusted Bumrah and promised to use him in the favorable conditions of South Africa. Bumrah didn’t let them down and had a great debut series. He became the second most successful bowler for India, taking 14 wickets in 3 tests with an average of 25.21. The top wicket-takers from that series were Philander, Rabada, and Shami with 15 wickets each. So, Bumrah was just one wicket behind them and could have been the highest wicket-taker.
After playing in South Africa, England, and Australia, nobody questioned Jasprit Bumrah’s abilities. He gave a hard time to the batters with his tricky deliveries that often left them surprised. For example, there was the swinging ball to Keaton Jennings at the Oval that got him out in the first over of the game. Then, there was the slower yorker to Shaun Marsh at MCG just before lunch. Bumrah surprised the batters because not many bowlers had used such tactics in Test Cricket before. That’s what made Bumrah stand out.
Many people doubted Jasprit Bumrah’s ability to bowl effectively in home conditions, where the pitches typically don’t favor fast bowlers. The concern was about how well he could perform on tracks that don’t offer much assistance to pacers.
Questions arose about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness as he had to skip games due to back issues. Some people even doubted if his bowling style was suitable for Test cricket and speculated that it might affect his limited-overs career. However, Bumrah didn’t let these assumptions become reality. He put in a lot of effort to improve his fitness, and now he’s at the top of the Test rankings. In the Vizag Test, he became the fastest Indian to reach 150 Test wickets, and the third fastest Asian bowler to achieve this milestone, trailing only behind Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.
Jasprit Bumrah has had a rollercoaster cricket journey, with both highs and lows. Now, he’s performing at his best. In the extensive history of Test cricket, he ranks second in terms of bowling average after taking 150 wickets, just behind Sydney Barnes.
Jasprit Bumrah’s current average is around 20 after playing 34 tests. In his 34-test career, he has achieved 5-wicket hauls 10 times. This is particularly remarkable for a fast bowler, and coming from the subcontinent makes it even more special.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Test Career
M: 34
W: 155
Avg/SR: 20.19/44.55
BBI: 6/27
BBM: 9/86
5w: 10
In reflecting upon Jasprit Bumrah’s cricketing journey, it is evident that he has overcome challenges and surpassed expectations. From his unconventional debut with a unique run-up to becoming a potent force in all formats of the game, Bumrah’s evolution is truly commendable.
Despite initial doubts about his adaptability to Test cricket, he not only proved his mettle on foreign soils but also silenced critics who questioned his effectiveness on home pitches. Overcoming fitness concerns, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as a resilient force, securing a top spot in Test rankings and showcasing exceptional skill with a remarkable average.
His 5-wicket hauls, especially in subcontinental conditions, add a distinctive flavour to his success story. Jasprit Bumrah’s journey, marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence, solidifies his place as a modern-day cricketing marvel.
Image source– Twitter/ X (Muffadal Vohra)
