Jasprit Bumrah, the star Indian fast bowler, has received high praise from legendary West Indies pacer Roberts, who said the young Indian could have been part of the iconic West Indies pace quarter in the 1980s. This remarkable compliment was revealed by former India head coach Ravi Shastri.
Shastri recounted an incident from India’s tour of the West Indies in 2019 when Bumrah had dismantled the Caribbean side in the Test series. After the series, where Bumrah picked up 13 wickets in two matches, the legendary Roberts approached the Indian pacer and paid him a huge compliment.
“The ultimate compliment for Jasprit Bumrah came in 2019. When I was coach here and we were playing a Test series and he dismantled the West Indies in 2-and-a-half or three days in the two Tests matches. And Andy Roberts walked up to him a Antigua. Andy and Curtly (Ambrose) together. Andy walked up to him and said ‘You, the young man could have taken the new ball in our era; “Shastri revealed.
This was no ordinary compliment, as the West Indies pace quarter of Roberts, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, and Colin Croft are widely regarded as one of the most fearsome bowling attacks in cricket history. For Roberts, the leader of that pack to say that Bumrah could have been a part of it is a testament to the Indian pacer’s exceptional skills and abilities.
‘You will not get a bigger compliment than that. Roberts was the leader of the pack that had Marshall, Garner, Croft, and Holding. No better compliment than that for Jasprit Bumrah. That was in 2019, he has come along leaps and bounds since then,” Shastri added.
Bumrah’s Unique Bowling Action and Skill Set
Shastri went on to explain what sets Bumrah apart from other fast bowlers highlighting the unique aspects of his bowling action and skill set.
“His release point. From where Mohammad Siraj releases the ball to where Jasprit Bumrah releases the ball is 48 cm. And with a straight wrist. Normally when you release the ball from ahead, it has to be a bouncer. When you release the ball from behind, it’s pitched. But from there, to be able to yorker at will, to bowl the bouncer and bowl a hard length, that’s amazing. That’s what separates him from the rest. The pace might say 140 kph, but it’s hitting the ball a lot harder, “Shastri said.
Bumrah’s ability to generate pace, accuracy, and a wide range of deliveries from his unique action has made him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. His skills have been on full display at the ongoing T20 World Cup, where he has been India’s triumph card, picking up 11 wickets in 6 matches at an economy rate of less than four runs per over.
Bumrah’s Rise to Stardom
Jasprit Bumrah made his Test debut for India in 2018, a year after impressing the team management with his skills in limited-overs formats. Since then, he has established himself as the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, conquering England Australia, and at home.
Bumrah’s performance in the 2019 tour of the West Indies, where he dismantled the hosts in the Test series, was a turning point in his career. It was during this tour that he received high praise from the legendary Andy Roberts, further solidifying his status as one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
“Bumrah had ended as the series’ highest wicket-taker, with 13 dismissals to his name in four innings. “The biggest compliment for Jasprit Bumrah came in 2019 when I was the coach here(in the Indian team). He dismantled the side in 2-2.5 days through two Tests. Andy Roberts came to meet him, and he said, “You could’ve taken the new ball in our team, “Shastri revealed.
This compliment from Roberts who was -the art of the iconic West Indies pace quarter, is a testament to Bumrah’s exceptional skills and the impact has had on the game of cricket. It is a recognition of his ability to not only match but potentially surpass the feats of the legendary West Indies pacers.
Bumrah’s Importance in the T20 World Cup
As India prepares to take on England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup, Jasprit Bumrah will be a key player for the team. His ability to deliver accurate yorkers, lethal bouncers, and unplayable lengths has made him a nightmare for betters across formats.
“Bumrah will be key to India’s chances in the T20 World Cup 2024 against England Jos Buttler won the toss and England opted to bowl in a rain-affected game in Guyana,” the article states.
Bumrah’s performance in the tournament so far has been exceptional, with 11 wickets in 6 matches at an economy rate of less than runs per over. His ability to deliver match-winning performances has been crucial to India’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
In conclusion, the high praise from West Indies legend Andy Roberts is a testament to Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional skills and the impact he has had on the game of cricket. Bumrah’s unique bowling action, skill set, and ability to dominate batters have made him one of the best fast bowlers in the world, and his compliment from Roberts only further solidifies his status as a cricketing great. As India looks to clinch the T20 World Cup title, Bumrah undoubtedly be a key player in their pursuit of glory.