NEW DELHI: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is rewriting the record books in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, delivering performances that have left cricket experts and fans in awe. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has heaped praise on the pacer, calling him a “freak of nature” and likening him to a priceless “Kohinoor diamond” that must be protected.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik said, “He is a freak of nature. I used this term before, and I am not shy of using it again. He is that ‘kohinoor’ diamond that we need to protect every day. What he does out there is special. There is no bowler that can do what he is doing in the world today across formats.”
Bumrah’s exploits have indeed been extraordinary. He leads the wicket-takers list in the series with 21 dismissals in three Tests at a jaw-dropping average of 10.90. His relentless accuracy and ability to trouble Australian batters have been pivotal in keeping India in the contest. After his heroics in Brisbane, Bumrah became the most successful Indian bowler in Australia, with 53 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 17.15, surpassing Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets in 11 matches.
Karthik also highlighted Bumrah’s calm demeanor and strong resolve, which extend to his approach to batting. “His staunch ability and resolve come through his batting as well. I’ve seen him bat, obviously, it’s something he is always working on so he can contribute. For me, it’s his character. You speak to him – very simple, very calm, very self-confident. And his aggression comes through the way he bowls, not through what he says,” Karthik remarked.
Most wickets in Australia by an Indian bowler (Test cricket)
- Jasprit Bumrah: M 10 | W 53 | Ave. 17.15
- Kapil Dev: M 11 | W 51 | Ave. 24.58
- Anil Kumble: M 10 | W 49 | Ave. 37.73
- R Ashwin: M 11 | W 40 | Ave. 42.42
- BS Bedi: M 7 | W 35 | Ave. 27.51
The former cricketer concluded by calling Bumrah “one of the greatest fast bowlers India has produced without a shadow of doubt” and described him as an “absolute legend in every sense already with the ball.”
With the fourth Test set to begin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, all eyes will be on Bumrah as he continues to script history and lead India’s charge against Australia.
