Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra identified Indian cricket team’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as having the potential to excel in javelin throw during a special segment on Star Sports hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu. The two-time Olympic gold medalist made this assessment based on the physical attributes and techniques that fast bowlers possess. Chopra specifically pointed to Bumrah’s fitness and strength as key factors that would make him suitable for javelin throw if he were not already established in cricket. “I think it would be a fast bowler for sure. So, I think a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be good at it,” Chopra said on Star Sports. Bumrah’s recent performance in cricket demonstrates his physical prowess. In the first Test match against England at Headingley, he secured his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings, though he was unable to take wickets in the second innings. The match resulted in England’s victory as they successfully chased down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149 runs. This win gave England a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. Bumrah’s statistics in 2024 showcase his exceptional capabilities. He has taken 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers globally during this period.
His workload has been significant, bowling 410.4 overs, which is the highest among all pace bowlers worldwide. This surpasses Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who has bowled 362.3 overs, and England’s Gus Atkinson with 328 overs and 54 wickets. Among Indian bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja is the only other player to exceed 400 overs, bowling 400.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj, who has played the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? Due to workload management considerations, Bumrah is expected to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is anticipated to lead the pace attack, despite his underwhelming performance in the Headingley Test. The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 2 in Birmingham, where India will attempt to level the series against England. This discussion about Bumrah’s potential in javelin throw highlights the crossover of athletic abilities between cricket and track and field events, particularly the similarities in physical requirements between fast bowling and javelin throwing. The announcement was made as part of the promotion for the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, which will be broadcast on Star Sports.
