Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : June 23, 2025 — Jasprit Bumrah, India’s fast-bowling spearhead, spoke candidly after equaling one of Kapil Dev’s most revered records during the first Test against England at Headingley on Sunday. His resilience in the face of skepticism and injuries has shone as he claimed 5/83, bringing his tally to twelve overseas five-wicket hauls in just 34 matches—exactly matching Kapil Dev’s milestone achieved over 66 Tests .

“Some said I will be finished in 8 months but I’ve played for nearly 10 years,” Bumrah declared, addressing critics who doubted his longevity due to his unique bowling action and injury-prone history. His statement was a clear nod to those early forecasts that anticipated a steep decline, but his performance in England proves otherwise.

The milestone—a joint record with Kapil Dev—is particularly significant in modern cricket. Bumrah’s overseas achievements underscore his adaptability and skill across all conditions. Not only did he match Kapil’s record for the most overseas five-fors by an Indian, but also became the first Asian to claim 150 wickets in SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).

Bumrah’s five-wicket haul, which included dismissing Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue in quick succession, helped India take a narrow six-run lead in the first innings—a critical leverage point in a tightly contested match.

The 31-year-old pacer has faced persistent scrutiny throughout his career. His unconventional bowling action, combined with early injuries, caused many experts to question his durability on long tours and in grueling formats like Test cricket. Yet, as he so bluntly stated, those criticisms have not only been unfounded—they’ve fueled his motivation to excel .

Dropping his eyes momentarily skyward after sealing the wicket of Tongue, Bumrah appeared to reflect on the journey—symbolic of both gratitude and defiance .

Statistically, Bumrah’s overseas dominance is unmatched among his peers. His twelve away five-wicket hauls in just 64 innings put him ahead in the pace stakes. Only Anil Kumble (10), Ishant Sharma (9), and Zaheer Khan (8) trail him on this metric . The contrast with Kapil Dev’s 108-match journey to achieve the same feat highlights Bumrah’s extraordinary efficiency and skill in a contemporary era that demands adaptability and precision.

Kapil Dev himself has previously expressed admiration for Bumrah’s performances, noting that it was rare to see a fast bowler so consistently excel across formats . Moreover, cricket analysts emphasize that Bumrah’s sustained excellence in overseas conditions marks a significant departure from traditional patterns seen among Indian pacers, often thought to be home-ground specialists.

With two more five-wicket hauls in SENA nations, Bumrah could surpass legends like Wasim Akram—reaching 12 fifers and aiming beyond. As India leads by six runs in the first innings, Bumrah’s role will be pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum and setting the tone for the remainder of the series.

Jasprit Bumrah’s calm assertion—“Some said I will be finished in eight months but I’ve played for nearly ten years”—captures not just personal triumph but a broader narrative: one of bold persistence and quiet resilience. As he matched the great Kapil Dev, he reminded the world that with belief and grit, predictions can be defied, and records rewritten.