Bumrah's 'Limitless' Yorker Amazes Cricket World Again

_{Photo: AFP}

Jasprit Bumrah, the "Mentality Monster," has elevated his stature in world cricket by claiming the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers. Bumrah surpassed his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin to secure the top spot, marking a historic achievement as the first bowler in the game's history to attain No. 1 rankings in all three formats during his career.

In the realm of modern cricket, largely dominated by batters, Bumrah stands out as a rare bowler who has achieved a milestone previously untouched by any bowler. While notable batters like Virat Kohli, Matthew Hayden, and Ricky Ponting have secured No. 1 rankings in all three formats, Bumrah's accomplishment in the bowling department is unprecedented.

The exceptional aspect of Bumrah's feat lies in his versatility across all three formats, showcasing brilliance in an era of demanding cricket. Even legends like Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis did not experience such across-the-board success.

Bumrah's ascent to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings was propelled by his outstanding performance in the second Test at Vizag, where he claimed remarkable figures of 9/91 during India's series-levelling victory. This extraordinary performance catapulted him from the third position to the top, surpassing Ashwin, who had held the No. 1 spot since March the previous year.

The 30-year-old paceman, previously challenged by India's spin-dominant pitches, showcased his adaptability by securing two 5-wicket-hauls in 2024. His stellar performances, including a 6/61 against South Africa in Cape Town and 6/45 in Vizag against England, paved the way for his unprecedented rise.

In a Test match in India, where bowlers rarely emerge as top wicket-takers, Bumrah's exceptional display in Vizag, claiming 9 wickets, earned him not only the top wicket-taker title but also the player of the match award. This achievement marks Bumrah as the first fast bowler from India to be crowned as the No. 1 Test bowler in the world, distinguishing himself among the spinners who had achieved this feat earlier, including R Ashwin, Bishen Singh Bedi, and Anil Kumble. Bumrah's remarkable journey signifies his limitless potential and impact on the cricketing landscape.