Jasprit Bumrah has rapidly established himself as not just India’s best red-ball bowler, but arguably one of the greatest the game has ever seen — and he’s done it in just 46 Tests. He’s not just a cricketer; he’s a cheat code. Whether it’s getting early wickets, triggering middle-order collapses, or delivering breakthroughs on lifeless pitches, Bumrah delivers with uncanny consistency. The pitch, conditions, or opposition rarely seem to matter.
His performance in the Leeds Test was another reminder of his brilliance, where he shattered multiple records. He now holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in England and became the first Asian bowler to take 150 Test wickets in SENA countries. His astonishing Test bowling average of 19.3 is the lowest among bowlers with 200 or more wickets. He has already taken 12 five-wicket hauls in just 64 innings — matching Kapil Dev, who took 44 more innings to get there.
His dominance over top batters is another testament to his skill. England’s Joe Root has already fallen to Bumrah 10 times in 25 innings. Such is the psychological edge that it's rumored the England dressing room avoids even mentioning Bumrah’s name to keep morale intact.
And yet, beyond the numbers, what truly sets Bumrah apart is his mindset. Despite fielders dropping catches off his bowling, Bumrah remained composed. Speaking at the post-day press conference, he said these things happen, especially with players new to certain conditions. He emphasized that no one drops catches on purpose and that he avoids reacting negatively, as it only adds pressure. “You can’t sit down and cry,” he said. “You have to move forward.”
That calmness, combined with his destructive ability, makes him a generational talent. He’s doing for Indian cricket today what Sachin Tendulkar did in the '90s — inspiring belief, pride, and awe with every performance.
So, hand on heart — if Jasprit Bumrah isn’t that important to Indian cricket right now, then what exactly are we watching?
