Starc or Bumrah: Why Bumrah’s Versatility Wins Every Time
The data doesn’t lie.
Jasprit Bumrah has a better average and economy rate than Mitchell Starc in most formats of cricket. Whether it’s ODIs, Tests, or T20s, Bumrah’s consistency stands out. In contrast, Starc has shown flashes of brilliance but also periods of inconsistency—especially in red-ball cricket.
So, Starc or Bumrah? When it comes to raw numbers and reliable impact, Bumrah edges ahead.
What does this mean for fans and teams?
It’s simple: in today’s fast-changing game, teams need bowlers who can think on their feet. Bumrah doesn’t just survive; he thrives—whether it’s a flat Indian pitch or a swinging English morning. He’s not just a fast bowler; he’s a problem-solver in spikes.
Starc might sizzle, but Bumrah simmers—always ready, always precise.
What Makes Bumrah So Special?
Versatility.
That’s the keyword. Bumrah can:
- Start the innings with the new ball, generating seam movement.
- Control the middle overs with tight lines and deceptive variations.
- Dominate the death with pin-point yorkers, slower balls, and sharp bouncers.
Mitchell Starc, by contrast, is lethal in the powerplay and at the death, but can be expensive in the middle. His reliance on express pace can backfire when facing clever batsmen who pick lengths early.
Also Read: Bat Drama in IPL 2025: Riyan Parag’s Controversial Dispute Stops the Game Cold
Three Formats, One Weapon
Bumrah isn’t just a white-ball wizard. He’s delivered match-winning spells in Test matches abroad—like the 2018-19 series in Australia—where his accuracy and stamina helped India clinch historic wins. Starc, while deadly in ODIs and T20s, has had fluctuating Test form.
Bumrah’s ability to seamlessly switch formats is rare, even among elite pacers. This flexibility makes him invaluable.
The Control Factor
Let’s break it down:
| Format | Bowler | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | Bumrah | ~24 | ~4.6 |
| ODI | Starc | ~27 | ~5.1 |
| Test | Bumrah | ~21 | ~2.7 |
| Test | Starc | ~28 | ~3.4 |
These aren’t just numbers—they’re proof of Bumrah’s consistency and control.
Modern Cricket Demands More Than Speed
In T20s especially, the game changes in minutes. A good over isn’t just about speed; it’s about strategy. Bumrah reads the game, adapts to the batter’s intent, and executes variations like a chess master setting up a trap.
Starc brings the heat—but sometimes gets burned.
Final Over: Verdict
This isn’t a knock on Starc—he’s world-class. But if a captain needs a bowler to defend 10 runs in the final over, adapt to a flat pitch, or break a crucial partnership, Bumrah is the one you call.
Because in cricket today, versatility isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And Jasprit Bumrah has mastered it.
Also Read: IPL 2025: The Ferguson Replacements Punjab Kings Are Eyeing to Fill Lockie’s Boots
