India were thoroughly outclassed in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the visitors suffering a 1-3 defeat after winning the opening match. Despite the overall loss, one constant source of success for India was their pace-bowling leader, Jasprit Bumrah. Even in a losing effort, Bumrah stood out, earning the Player of the Series award for his exceptional performances.

Former Indian pacer, Varun Aaron, drew a comparison between Bumrah’s display in Australia and the kind of mastery once showcased by Pakistani legend Wasim Akram. He also highlighted Bumrah’s key strength, which made him such a formidable challenge for any batsman.

“Bumrah’s performance in this series ranks as one of the best I’ve seen from an Indian fast bowler. The last time I saw a subcontinent fast bowler bowl with such dominance was Wasim Akram, who had complete control over the ball. Bumrah has shown a similar ability to dictate terms. He makes the most of his natural skill, particularly his pace off the wicket. That’s what makes him so difficult to face, no matter how often you play against him. His pace is incredibly sharp off the surface, which can be attributed to his hypermobility and the extra whip he generates at the end of his action. That’s a key strength of his,” said Aaron, as reported by The Hindu.

“I do think India needs to develop the other aspects of their fast-bowling attack around Bumrah. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah was clearly the standout performer; no one else came close. To be successful on tours abroad, India will need that gap to close. It’s all about experience. The fast-bowling group, aside from Bumrah, is relatively young, and Siraj is still finding his feet on the international stage. As they gain more experience, they’ll improve further,” he added.

In the nine innings Bumrah bowled for India during their tour Down Under, he took 32 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.06. With a strike rate of 28.37, he also maintained an impressive economy rate of 2.76.