New Delhi: Jasprit Bumrah has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional bowling skills, with even a former Australian batting legend suggesting that Don Bradman would not have achieved his legendary status had he faced a bowler of Bumrah's caliber.
In the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah demonstrated his prowess by taking 32 wickets over five matches, boasting an impressive average of 13.06, which included three five-wicket hauls and a best performance of 6/76.
He emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the series, setting multiple records, including becoming the Indian with the most Test five-wicket hauls in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) and surpassing spin great Bishan Singh Bedi for the most wickets by an Indian in an away series.
During a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, which also featured former England captain Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist remarked that no numerical rating could adequately capture Bumrah's significance in the sport.
"I am not assigning a rating; no number can truly reflect his status in world cricket. He would have dismantled Bradman’s peak in a matter of deliveries. His average would have been significantly lower than 99 if he had faced Bumrah. I would rate Donald at 35 out of Bumrah in terms of batting average. There is no reward high enough for him."
Vaughan rated Bumrah's performance a perfect 10/10.
Bumrah had an outstanding 2024 season. Mohammed Siraj's remarks in a post-match interview after the T20 World Cup final, stating, "I only believe in Jassi bhai; he is a game-changing player," encapsulate the nation's admiration for the pace spearhead.
Whether it was his 19 wickets during the home series against England on challenging pitches at an average of 16.89 over four matches, his 'Player of the Tournament' accolade in the T20 World Cup with 15 vital wickets at an average of 8.26, or his remarkable performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah has captivated the hearts of cricket enthusiasts in India.
Bumrah emerged as the top wicket-taker in international cricket last year, claiming 86 wickets across 21 matches at an impressive average of 13.76. His performance included four instances of taking four wickets in an innings and five instances of five wickets, with his best bowling figures being 6 for 45. In the IPL 2024, despite a lackluster season for the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), he still led the wicket-taking charts with 20 wickets in 13 matches, averaging 16.80 and achieving one five-wicket haul.
