Cricket legend Kapil Dev has urged people not to draw comparisons between star India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and him. Bumrah has been drawing the focus of the whole cricketing community with his remarkable performances in international cricket off late.
Bumrah recently surpassed Kapil Dev’s record of 51 wickets to establish the highest number of Test wickets by an Indian bowler in Australia during the latest Test series. Bumrah has taken 64 wickets in 12 matches (23 innings) in Australia at an average of 17.15, including four five-wicket hauls, with his best match figures being 9/86.
After Bumrah’s fantastic performance with the ball, Kapil advised people against comparing him to the emerging India fast bowler, stating that it’s unjust to compare athletes from different eras.
“Please don’t compare me with Bumrah; one generation cannot be compared to another. Today’s boys make 300 runs in just one day, something that was unheard of in our era. Therefore, avoid making comparisons,” Kapil told the media.
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Bumrah was named Player of the Series after being the leading wicket-taker in the five Tests against Australia, claiming 32 wickets over nine innings at an average of 13.06, including three five-wicket hauls. He etched his name in the annals of history, recording the highest number of wickets by an Indian bowler in a single series in Australia, eclipsing Bishan Singh Bedi’s count of 31 wickets from 1977-78.
Doubts rise over Bumrah’s participation in Champions Trophy
However, Bumrah’s stellar series concluded sadly as he sustained an injury during the fifth Test in Sydney and chose not to bowl from Day 2 onward. His unexpected injury has made him doubtful for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
According to India Today, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested Bumrah to go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Insider sources have indicated that Bumrah could be included in the provisional Champions Trophy squad, but the definitive decision regarding his involvement in the major event will depend on his recovery at the NCA.
