Jasprit Bumrah: The Unyielding Pillar of India's Fast Bowling Arsenal

Jasprit Bumrah, the seasoned Indian fast bowler, once again dazzled the cricketing world as he clinched his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket during the first Test against England at Leeds. Despite four dropped catches off his delivery, Bumrah's singular performance was crucial in India securing a slender six-run lead after England were all out for 465 by the end of the second session.

Since the dawn of 2024, Bumrah has been the backbone for India's Test bowling line-up. In Tests since then, Bumrah has achieved 78 wickets at an average of 15.07, with six five-wicket hauls, standing in stark contrast to his fellow bowlers, who collectively managed just 80 wickets at an average of 33.48, with a solitary five-wicket haul, according to ESPNcricinfo. Once more, Bumrah proved to be an invaluable asset, taking the essential wickets to edge India slightly ahead at a critical juncture.

His recent performance sees him tying with the legendary Kapil Dev for the number of five-wicket hauls in away matches, a feat achieved in just half the matches compared to Dev (Bumrah in 34, Dev in 66). Across the cricketing globe, Bumrah has secured five four-wicket hauls in Australia, three in England, three in South Africa, and two in the West Indies, with only two five-wicket hauls on home soil. His stellar record in SENA nations distinguishes him as the first Indian to reach ten five-wicket hauls, moving close to surpassing Pakistani legend Wasim Akram's record of 11 SENA five-wicket hauls.

(With inputs from agencies.)