February 23, 2025: Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s most feared fast bowlers, had an unforgettable year in 2024, cementing his place as one of the finest pacers in the world. His performance in international cricket was nothing short of spectacular, earning him numerous prestigious accolades at the ICC Awards, including the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
Bumrah’s incredible run included 86 wickets in just 21 matches, averaging an astonishing 13.76, and four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls. His brilliance in Tests, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, saw him take 32 wickets in just five matches at an average of 13.06, breaking multiple records along the way. His stellar performances made him the highest wicket-taker in the series, and he became the Indian bowler with the most Test fifers in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).
Despite this remarkable success, Bumrah was sidelined from the ongoing Champions Trophy due to a back injury he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Harshit Rana has been called in as his replacement for the tournament, but Bumrah’s impact remains ever-present, as his exceptional bowling has made him a legend in the eyes of cricket fans worldwide.
The praise for Bumrah isn’t just from his performance but also from teammates, with Mohammed Siraj’s post-match interview at the T20 World Cup final emphasizing his belief in Bumrah as a game-changer. Bumrah’s performances across various formats, including his title-winning T20 World Cup campaign and his success in the IPL 2024, made him one of the most consistent and dominant bowlers.
In the India vs Pakistan match, despite Bumrah’s absence, the Indian squad is in full force, with key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya in the playing XI. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter between the two cricketing giants.
Even as Bumrah takes a break, the legacy of his contributions and his influence on Indian cricket continues to resonate, proving that fast bowling is as essential to success as any other aspect of the game.