Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star fast bowler, was in top form during the first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds. He took five wickets – his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket – even though four catches were dropped from his bowling. Thanks to his brilliant performance, India took a small 6-run lead after bowling England out for 465.
But even with his superb form, Bumrah won’t play all five Test matches in the series. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the team will manage Bumrah’s workload carefully to keep him fit and avoid injuries.
Read more: IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah Stays Calm After Multiple Dropped Catches — Shares His Simple Mantra
So far in 2024, Bumrah has taken 78 wickets at an amazing average of just 15.07. He has already taken six five-wicket hauls this year. In comparison, all other Indian fast bowlers together have taken 80 wickets at an average of 33.48, and only one five-wicket haul.
Bumrah’s performances have impressed many, including cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Cheteshwar Pujara. As a joke, they asked his wife, sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan, to convince him to play all five Test matches.
Jasprit Bumrah keeping the batters and us guessing 😫#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia | @Jaspritbumrah93 @SanjanaGanesan pic.twitter.com/lIKggth6qg
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 23, 2025
Bumrah also equaled the great Kapil Dev’s record of 12 five-wicket hauls in away Tests. But Bumrah achieved this in only 34 matches, while Kapil took 66 matches. Most of Bumrah’s best performances have come outside India — including in Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. Only two of his 14 five-wicket hauls were in India.
He also made history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take 10 five-wicket hauls in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). He is now just two hauls behind Pakistan’s Wasim Akram, who has 11 in those nations.
So far in his Test career, Bumrah has taken 210 wickets in 46 matches with an excellent average of 19.33 and an economy rate of 2.77. His best figures in a Test innings are 6 wickets for 27 runs.
Also Read: “Jasprit Bumrah” Could Play All 5 Tests vs England – But Only If He Gets Support
Even though India has five other fast bowlers in the squad, Bumrah’s recent performances show that he is truly special. The team wants to make sure he stays fit and performs well in the long run, so his playing time is being carefully managed.
