Former Indian fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji has expressed admiration for Jasprit Bumrah‘s recent displays, particularly in Test cricket. Balaji has been impressed by Jasprit Bumrah‘s skill and effectiveness as a pace bowler in the longest format of the game.
Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable performance in the second Test against England saw him claim nine wickets, playing a pivotal role in India’s series-leveling victory in Visakhapatnam. With this exceptional display, Bumrah’s Test career statistics continue to astound, having now amassed 155 wickets in just 34 matches at an impressive average of 20.19.
Jasprit Bumrah’s overall average is in the early 20s- Lakshmipathy Balaji
Lakshmipathy Balaji was quoted by TOI praising Jasprit Bumrah, stating,
“Bumrah’s overall average is in the early 20s (20.19) and he has already got 150 plus wickets…We used to hear of such numbers from Malcolm Marshall or Richard Hadlee. This is phenomenal,”
Balaji added,
“The angle that Bumrah generates is god’s gift. Coming from wide of the stumps, the areas that he can bowl sometimes defies physics. It is Bumrah’s ability to take the pitch out of the equation that makes him so special,”
Balaji expressed how great it felt that an Indian bowler was delivering performances at the levels of former legends of the game like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
Jasprit Bumrah’s form on his return from injury is something similar to Dennis Lillee’s“- Lakshmipathy Balaji on the Indian Speedster
Balaji, who faced his own challenges with back injuries during his playing career, highlighted the remarkable aspect of Jasprit Bumrah returning from his injury lay-off as an even better bowler.
Balaji drew parallels between Bumrah’s comeback and that of Australian great Dennis Lillee, emphasizing the resilience and improvement shown by both bowlers after their respective injury setbacks, stating,
“Bumrah’s form on his return from injury is something similar to Dennis Lillee’s. The Aussie great, who also suffered a serious back injury (in the late 1970s), but came back as a matured and far more potent bowler. Bumrah is doing just that. He hasn’t lost his pace which hasn’t diminished his fear factor. I can tell you from experience to do this is incredibly difficult,”
Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable bowling average of 11.66 in the four Tests he has played since his injury comeback underscores his exceptional form. Among bowlers with over 150 Test wickets, only Sydney Barnes boasts a better bowling average, standing at 16.43.