Indian cricket continues to make headlines as Jasprit Bumrah, the stalwart of India’s bowling attack, secures the highest-ever rating points for an Indian bowler. Bumrah’s scintillating performance during the Brisbane Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has earned him a place in the annals of cricket history. Let’s delve into the significance of this achievement and how Bumrah’s exploits compare to past legends of the game.
Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable haul of 9 wickets for 94 runs in the third Test against Australia at Brisbane propelled him to an impressive 904 rating points on the ICC bowler’s rankings. This milestone places him alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, who achieved the same tally in December 2016 during a Test series against England. Bumrah’s accomplishment underscores his dominance in international cricket and highlights his pivotal role in India’s success on foreign soil.
Currently ranked as the No. 1 bowler in the ICC Test rankings, Bumrah has extended his lead over second-placed Kagiso Rabada of South Africa. With a comfortable margin of 48 points (Rabada sits at 856), Bumrah’s consistency and adaptability make him a standout performer in world cricket.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball has been a defining factor. He leads the wicket-takers chart with 21 wickets in six innings at an astonishing average of 10.90. His ability to exploit diverse conditions, coupled with pinpoint accuracy, has kept the Australian batters on edge throughout the series.
As the series heads to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, with the scoreline locked at 1-1, Bumrah has the opportunity to surpass Ashwin’s record. A strong showing in the upcoming matches could see him rewrite history as the highest-rated Indian bowler in ICC rankings.
India has produced many legendary bowlers, including Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, and Zaheer Khan. However, none of them managed to breach the 900-point barrier, making Bumrah’s achievement even more extraordinary. The only Indian bowler to achieve such a feat before him is Ravichandran Ashwin, emphasizing the rarity of this accomplishment.
Bumrah’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, particularly in overseas conditions, has been a game-changer for India. His lethal combination of pace, swing, and precision has often tilted the balance in India’s favor. This Brisbane performance is another testament to his match-winning capabilities.
While Bumrah’s heroics grabbed headlines, the Brisbane Test also witnessed notable performances from other players. Travis Head’s spectacular 152 in the first innings propelled him to fourth place in the ICC Test batting rankings. His consistent form, including a century in Adelaide, underscores his importance in the Australian lineup.
The ICC ODI rankings also saw significant changes, with performances in recent series altering the landscape. Heinrich Klaasen’s three consecutive fifties against Pakistan boosted him by eight spots, placing him fifth among the world’s top ODI batters. Similarly, Saim Ayub of Pakistan climbed a staggering 57 slots to claim a career-best 23rd position after his stellar series against South Africa.
Despite these changes, Babar Azam continues to lead the ODI batting rankings, followed by India’s iconic duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, in second and third positions respectively. Their consistent performances keep India firmly represented at the top of the ODI batting charts.
As Bumrah gears up for the remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar series, his focus will undoubtedly remain on maintaining his form and delivering for the team. With the series finely poised, his contributions will be critical in determining the outcome.
Jasprit Bumrah’s rise in international cricket is a story of perseverance, skill, and unparalleled dedication. From his unorthodox action to his unmatched accuracy, Bumrah has redefined the art of fast bowling in modern cricket. This historic achievement of matching Ashwin’s rating points is yet another milestone in what promises to be a legendary career.
Jasprit Bumrah’s ascension to the pinnacle of the ICC bowler rankings is a testament to his hard work and unrelenting spirit. As Indian cricket fans celebrate this remarkable achievement, the focus now shifts to the Boxing Day Test, where Bumrah has the opportunity to further cement his legacy.
Also Read: BGT: 5 Best Batting Performances by Indians in Boxing Day Test
