Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has lavished rich praise on Jasprit Bumrah, hailing his extraordinary ability to quickly decipher a batter's strengths and weaknesses, as well as his unmatched skill in adapting to varying conditions. Shastri compared Bumrah to the legendary West Indian fast bowler Malcolm Marshall, emphasizing that Bumrah belongs to the rare breed of bowlers who can dominate with both their intelligence and physical skill. Bumrah has been instrumental in leading India’s charge in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, achieving record-breaking feats on Australian soil.
Bumrah has taken an incredible 21 wickets in just three Tests at a jaw-dropping average of 10.90. These numbers not only highlight his consistency but also set him apart as the leading wicket-taker in the series. No other bowler has managed more than 15 wickets thus far. His adaptability to the unique playing conditions in Australia has been a testament to his skill and cricketing intelligence, making him one of India’s most valuable assets in their pace attack.
In addition to his individual brilliance with the ball, Bumrah also showcased his leadership qualities by stepping in as captain during the series opener in Perth in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Under Bumrah’s captaincy, India secured a massive 295-run victory, further cementing his role as a key player who contributes both on and off the field. His calm demeanor and strategic thinking have been vital for India’s performance in high-pressure situations.
In an interview with Fox Cricket, Ravi Shastri described Bumrah’s ability to assess the game and his opponents, saying, “He’s a terrific reader of the game when it comes to batsmen. I thought the best bowler I ever played against was Malcolm Marshall because of his ability to assess conditions, read batsmen’s strengths and weaknesses, and adjust his plans accordingly. Bumrah, to me, is in that same league. He’s incredibly quick to suss out a player’s strengths and vulnerabilities, and that makes him a constant threat.”
Shastri also spoke about Bumrah’s dominance in subcontinental conditions, highlighting his versatility as a bowler. “He’s nearing 200 wickets overall, with about 100 of those coming in India at an average of 17. In Indian conditions, the ball tends to reverse due to the rough surfaces, and Bumrah uses that to devastating effect. If he doesn’t take wickets with the new ball, you can be sure he’ll do damage later when the ball starts reversing.”
Bumrah’s success in Australia has been nothing short of historic. With 53 wickets in just 12 Tests, he has now overtaken Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets to become India’s leading wicket-taker in Australia. This achievement underscores his incredible consistency and ability to deliver on some of the most challenging pitches in world cricket. At the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Bumrah is on the verge of yet another milestone. He needs just one more wicket to become India’s most successful bowler at the iconic venue, surpassing Anil Kumble, with whom he is currently tied at 15 wickets.
As the Boxing Day Test at the MCG approaches, Bumrah’s role becomes even more crucial. With Mohammed Shami sidelined due to injury, Bumrah will lead a relatively inexperienced pace attack, which includes Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. Shastri expressed confidence in Bumrah’s ability to rise to the occasion, recalling his memorable six-wicket haul at the MCG during a previous series. “Bumrah loves the challenge of bowling at the MCG. I remember when he dismantled Australia with a brilliant six-wicket performance. He’s in that same kind of form now, where he takes wickets for fun. It’s relentless. What he does with the new ball and how he swings and seams it both ways make him an absolute nightmare for batsmen,” Shastri said.
Shastri also weighed in on the debut of Australian teenage opener Sam Konstas, who will face Bumrah for the first time. “It’s going to be a baptism by fire for him. Facing Bumrah in this kind of form at the MCG is no easy task. Bumrah is relentless and operates at the peak of his powers, making it incredibly difficult for any debutant to settle.”
With the series currently tied at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test is poised to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams eager to take the lead. Bumrah’s performance will undoubtedly be a determining factor in India’s fortunes. His ability to deliver in pressure situations, coupled with his strategic brilliance, has made him one of the most formidable bowlers in contemporary cricket. As India strives to seize the advantage, Bumrah’s relentless form and unwavering focus will be key to their success in Melbourne.
