Dale Steyn and Shane Bond, two of the most revered fast bowlers in cricket history, have singled out Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada as the gold standard for modern-day pace bowling. In an insightful chat with ESPNcricinfo ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 season, the duo delved into what makes Bumrah and Rabada not just exceptional, but irreplaceable assets for their teams. They emphasized that the combination of skill, intelligence, adaptability, and relentless work ethic sets these two apart from the rest — a rare breed of fast bowlers who can thrive under pressure and dictate the course of a match.
Bond, who was renowned for his searing pace and accuracy during his tenure with New Zealand, didn’t mince words when assessing the current generation of bowlers. He expressed a surprising yet brutally honest take, stating that a large majority — about 70% — of international bowlers lack a clear sense of strategy and awareness. "There's this assumption that just because you're an international bowler, you know what you’re doing. I think 70% of bowlers actually don't. They run in and bowl without a clear plan," Bond remarked. He stressed the importance of captains taking charge when needed. "Captains shouldn’t hesitate to tell a bowler what to deliver and adjust the field accordingly. Sometimes, simplifying things for the bowler makes all the difference."
Steyn, the South African speedster whose name became synonymous with aggression and brilliance, backed Bond’s views with his own observations. He voiced his frustration at watching seasoned bowlers stick to the same predictable plans without tweaking the field, even when the situation demands adaptation. "I’ve watched bowlers who’ve played at the highest level for a decade — and they’ll bowl an entire over without once changing the field. I sit there thinking, 'How do you not see what's about to happen?'"
Despite their criticisms of the general bowling landscape, both Steyn and Bond lit up when discussing Bumrah and Rabada, calling them “like gold dust.” The pair praised the Indian and South African quicks for their ability to not only outsmart batters but also shift the momentum of a game single-handedly.
Bond broke down the qualities that elevate Bumrah to the very top. He outlined four non-negotiable traits that, according to him, separate great bowlers from the rest: skill, relentless work ethic, detailed preparation on opposition batters, and an unwavering killer instinct. "Bumrah has all four — the complete package. He works harder than anyone, studies his opponents meticulously, and backs his instincts when it matters most. That’s why he’s the best bowler in the world," Bond explained.
Steyn echoed Bond’s admiration for Bumrah but was quick to include Rabada in the same conversation. "Look at guys like Bumrah — he’s probably the all-in-one package, and right there with him is KG Rabada. They’ve got this uncanny ability to bowl at any phase — powerplay, middle overs, or death — and deliver a breakthrough. Those guys are like gold. If cricket can produce more bowlers like them, fast bowling stocks worldwide will skyrocket," Steyn said.
He also spoke about how fast bowling has evolved beyond raw speed or fancy variations. "It’s no longer just about clocking 155 kph or having 10 different slower balls. It’s about understanding the game’s pulse and knowing exactly when to break it open. Bumrah and Rabada do that better than anyone else," he added.
The cricketing world now eagerly awaits IPL 2025, where both pacers are set to play pivotal roles. Bumrah, recovering from a back injury, is eyeing a long-awaited comeback to lead Mumbai Indians' attack. Meanwhile, Rabada, who has joined Gujarat Titans, will look to spearhead their pace battery with his trademark aggression and precision.
The praise from legends like Steyn and Bond reinforces how rare and valuable Bumrah and Rabada truly are. It’s not just their speed, yorkers, or ability to swing the ball — it’s their cricketing brains, work ethic, and ability to rise to the occasion that puts them in a league of their own. For aspiring fast bowlers around the world, these two remain the ultimate blueprint for success — living proof that being a great bowler is about so much more than just raw talent.
As IPL 2025 looms, fans and analysts alike will be watching Bumrah and Rabada closely — not just for their fiery spells, but for the masterclass in strategy, resilience, and composure that they deliver with every over. The stage is set, and the gold standard of fast bowling is ready to shine once again.
