News Update
Tezzbuzz|15-01-2025
Jasprit Bumrah’s recent performances have not just been about numbers; they’ve been about rewriting the narrative of what fast bowling can achieve in the modern game. Named the ICC Player of the Month for December, with an astonishing average of 13.06, Bumrah has drawn plaudits from some of cricket’s most revered figures, including Adam Gilchrist. In a season where Bumrah crossed the 200-wicket mark in red-ball internationals at an average less than 20, his impact has been nothing short of legendary, even though India faced a challenging series against Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by 1-3.
“I am not rating him, no number befitting what he is in world sport. He would have ripped on Bradman’s peak in the matter of balls. It would have been much further south of 99 (Bradman’s batting average) that he sits at. You cannot have a reward that is high enough for him,” Gilchrist exclaimed on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. His words paint a vivid picture of Bumrah’s prowess, suggesting that even the legendary Sir Don Bradman would have found Bumrah’s bowling challenging at his peak. Gilchrist’s praise is not just about statistics; it’s an acknowledgment of Bumrah’s unique approach to the game, his accuracy, and his ability to disrupt even the best of batting line-ups.
“It is just a different ball game, a different planet, that Bumrah is playing on compared to everyone else,” he added, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Bumrah’s performances. This statement underscores the idea that Bumrah operates in a realm that transcends traditional cricketing metrics, where his skills, mindset, and tactical acumen set him apart from his contemporaries.
Gilchrist’s sentiments are echoed across the cricketing world. Numerous former cricketers have not shied away from comparing Bumrah to the great fast bowlers of the West Indies, who were known for their devastating impact with the ball. Bumrah’s achievement of 200 wickets in Test cricket at such a low average places him in an elite club, alongside names like Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, and Courtney Walsh, who were known for their ability to turn matches single-handedly. His performances in the Border-Gavaskar series, where he was the standout bowler for India despite the team’s loss, have only amplified these comparisons.
His ability to perform under pressure, maintain an impeccable line and length, and his remarkable control over his variations have made him a subject of awe. His wrist position, the pace he generates, and his yorkers, especially in the death overs, have been highlighted time and again as elements of his game that make him a modern-day bowling maestro.
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a litmus test for Bumrah. With India facing a formidable Australian side, Bumrah was often the lone warrior with the ball. His statistics from the series are a testament to his skill – 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, which is an extraordinary feat in any conditions, let alone against a team renowned for its batting strength. Despite India’s eventual series loss by 1-3, which also knocked them out of contention for the World Test Championship 2025 finals, Bumrah’s individual brilliance was clear.
His performance in this series not only showcased his ability to take wickets but also his resilience and capacity to lead the bowling attack when the chips were down. It was during this series that his status as one of the game’s greats was further cemented, even if the team’s collective result was not in their favor.
Jasprit Bumrah’s journey in cricket is not just about his statistics; it’s about the impact he has had on the game. From Adam Gilchrist’s hyperbolic yet heartfelt praise to the consensus among cricket’s legends, Bumrah has transcended the role of a bowler to become a phenomenon. His performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite not culminating in a series victory for India, highlight his capacity to be a game-changer. As cricket continues to evolve, Bumrah stands as a beacon of what is possible with skill, dedication, and an unparalleled understanding of one’s craft. His story is far from over, and if the accolades and achievements thus far are any indication, he’s set to redefine the art of fast bowling for years to come.