November 28, 2024: Rahul Dravid’s praise of Jasprit Bumrah following his match-winning performance in the Perth Test against Australia is well-deserved.
Bumrah’s spell, particularly his five-wicket haul in the first innings, was a game-changer. As Dravid rightly pointed out, Bumrah took the game by the “scruff of the neck” and broke open the contest, leaving Australia with a mountain to climb. His performance set the tone for India’s dominant victory, and his leadership with the ball, as captain, was a testament to his class and composure.
Bumrah’s impact was not just limited to his five wickets in the first innings; he continued to break through in the second innings as well, helping India maintain control and never allowing Australia to get back into the game. The partnership of Bumrah’s bowling and the centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli gave India an insurmountable lead.
Dravid’s words also underscore how Bumrah has consistently delivered for India across formats, showing the kind of leadership and skill that makes him one of the best in the world. His performance in Perth also secured him the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Rankings for bowlers, a well-earned recognition of his consistent brilliance.
