Jasprit Bumrah has cemented his legacy as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers by achieving a historic milestone in the latest ICC rankings. Bumrah soared to 907 rating points, surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-time high of 904 points, set in December 2016. This achievement not only signifies a personal triumph for Bumrah but also places him among the elite bowlers in cricket history. He now shares the 17th spot on the all-time list with England’s legendary left-arm spinner Derek Underwood.
The Significance of 907 Rating Points
The ICC Player Rankings serve as a benchmark for cricketers worldwide, reflecting their consistency, impact, and dominance in international cricket. Reaching 907 rating points is a rare feat that underscores Bumrah’s exceptional contributions to Indian cricket. These points are awarded based on performances in recent matches, with more weight given to performances in high-stakes games against strong opposition.
Bumrah’s milestone signifies not only his prowess as a bowler but also his ability to deliver under pressure. His performances have consistently swung matches in India’s favor, making him the backbone of the team’s bowling attack across formats.
Surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin’s Record
Before Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin held the record for the highest rating points by an Indian bowler. Ashwin’s 904 points, achieved in December 2016, highlighted his dominance in Test cricket, especially on Indian pitches. Known for his skill, variations, and tactical acumen, Ashwin dominated batsmen with his off-spin, becoming a linchpin in India’s Test team.
Bumrah’s achievement eclipsing Ashwin’s record is particularly significant because of the contrasting nature of their bowling styles. While Ashwin’s success largely stemmed from his mastery on spin-friendly tracks, Bumrah has excelled in all conditions, including seaming tracks in England, bouncy pitches in Australia, and flat decks in Asia. This versatility underscores Bumrah’s all-format brilliance.
A Journey of Hard Work and Perseverance
Jasprit Bumrah’s rise to the top of the ICC rankings is a story of relentless hard work and dedication. From humble beginnings in Gujarat to becoming India’s pace spearhead, Bumrah has defied conventional norms in fast bowling. With an unorthodox action, pinpoint accuracy, and the ability to deliver searing yorkers, Bumrah quickly became a sensation in white-ball cricket.
His debut in Test cricket in 2018 marked the beginning of a new era for India’s pace attack. Bumrah’s performances in overseas conditions were instrumental in India’s historic series wins in Australia (2018-19) and their resurgence in England. His ability to reverse swing the ball and generate pace and bounce made him a threat on all surfaces.
Consistency Across Formats
One of Bumrah’s greatest strengths is his ability to adapt across formats:
Test Cricket
In Tests, Bumrah has been the game-changer in tough overseas conditions. His spells in South Africa, England, Australia, and New Zealand have left batsmen struggling. With 128 wickets in 30 Tests at an average of 21.99 (as of now), Bumrah has proven himself to be a match-winner.
ODIs
Bumrah’s impact in ODIs has been equally remarkable. Known for his death-bowling mastery, he has become one of the most reliable bowlers in crunch situations. His economy rate of 4.62 and his knack for picking wickets in crucial moments make him indispensable.
T20Is
In T20Is, Bumrah’s reputation as a “death-over specialist” is unparalleled. His ability to nail yorkers under pressure has saved India on numerous occasions. Bumrah’s economy rate of 6.62 in T20Is is a testament to his skill and control in the shortest format.
Elite Club of 900+ Rating Points
Joining the 900+ rating points club places Bumrah in an exclusive group of legendary bowlers. Only a handful of players have reached this milestone, including greats like Malcolm Marshall, Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Dale Steyn. Sharing the 17th spot with Derek Underwood, Bumrah is now recognized among the finest bowlers in cricket history.
This club features bowlers who dominated their eras with sheer brilliance. Bumrah’s entry into this league highlights his consistency and impact on the global stage.
Bumrah’s Contribution to Indian Cricket
Bumrah’s rise has been transformative for Indian cricket. Traditionally reliant on spinners, India’s bowling attack often struggled in overseas conditions. Bumrah’s emergence has changed that narrative. His ability to swing the ball both ways, hit hard lengths, and deliver match-turning spells has made India’s pace attack one of the most formidable in the world.
His contributions extend beyond individual performances. Bumrah has mentored younger bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini, fostering a culture of aggressive, relentless fast bowling in the team.
Comparison with Derek Underwood
Sharing the 17th spot on the all-time list with Derek Underwood is a significant achievement. Underwood, known as “Deadly,” was one of the most successful left-arm spinners in cricket history. His ability to exploit damp pitches in England and his remarkable accuracy made him a legend.
While Underwood dominated with spin, Bumrah’s inclusion alongside him reflects the evolution of cricket. Both bowlers excelled in vastly different eras and conditions, showcasing their adaptability and mastery.
Key Performances That Shaped Bumrah’s Legacy
- Hat-Trick Against the West Indies (2019):
Bumrah claimed a sensational hat-trick in Jamaica, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup. His ability to reverse swing the ball stunned the opposition. - 5/7 Against England at The Oval (2021):
Bumrah’s fiery spell decimated England, ensuring a historic series win for India. His pace and precision left the hosts reeling. - Match-Winning Spells in Australia (2018-19):
Bumrah’s performances in Melbourne and Sydney were instrumental in India’s first-ever Test series victory Down Under. His fiery spells against top Australian batsmen showcased his class.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his success, Bumrah faces challenges that come with sustaining excellence:
- Fitness Management:
Bumrah’s role as an all-format bowler requires careful workload management to prevent injuries. - Adaptation to Evolving Formats:
With the rise of T20 leagues and changing playing conditions, Bumrah must continue evolving his skills to stay ahead of batsmen. - Consistency Under Pressure:
As a key player in ICC tournaments, Bumrah’s ability to deliver in high-pressure games will remain crucial for India’s success.
Legacy and Inspiration
Bumrah’s achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers. His journey demonstrates that unconventional styles and hard work can break barriers. As the leader of India’s pace attack, Bumrah has redefined fast bowling in the country, proving that Indian pacers can dominate on any surface.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s rise to 907 rating points in the ICC rankings is a landmark achievement, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication. Surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-time high and joining the ranks of bowling legends solidifies Bumrah’s status as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
With his consistent performances across formats and his ability to excel in challenging conditions, Bumrah has become the backbone of India’s bowling attack. As he continues to script new milestones, Bumrah remains a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for Indian cricket. His journey inspires not only cricketers but also sports enthusiasts who admire resilience, skill, and determination.
