Jasprit Bumrah overtakes Kapil Dev, becomes India’s best overseas bowler

Pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has added another milestone to his illustrious career, surpassing the legendary Kapil Dev in two key bowling records during the second day of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Bumrah’s stunning five-wicket haul not only highlighted his brilliance but also solidified his standing as India’s top pacer in overseas conditions.

Bumrah was India’s standout performer as Australia piled on the runs on a challenging day for the visitors. The pacer’s 5/72 in 25 overs, at an economy rate of 2.90, accounted for key wickets, including centurions Steve Smith and Travis Head, as well as Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Mitchell Marsh. His efforts helped India break a massive 241-run partnership between Smith (101) and Head (152), though Australia ended the day in a commanding position at 405/7, with Alex Carey (45*) and Mitchell Starc (7*) unbeaten.

Bumrah’s exceptional spell marked his 10th five-wicket haul outside Asia, surpassing Kapil Dev’s tally of nine. This feat includes three fifers each in Australia and South Africa, and two each in England and the West Indies. In contrast, Kapil achieved five in Australia and two each in England and the West Indies.

Bumrah also eclipsed Kapil’s record of seven five-wicket hauls in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, securing his eighth such performance in these challenging conditions.

Bumrah’s consistency has also placed him among the top bowlers in the ICC World Test Championship. With nine five-wicket hauls in the tournament’s history, he is tied with Australian skipper Pat Cummins, trailing only Nathan Lyon (10) and Ravichandran Ashwin (11).

Bumrah is currently the leading wicket-taker in international cricket this year, with 73 wickets in just 20 matches at a remarkable average of 13.78. In Tests alone, he has scalped 58 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 15.20, including four five-wicket hauls, all of which came in the longer format. His best figures of the year stand at 6/45.

Also See: IND vs AUS Series | IND vs AUS Schedule

The day began with India opting to bowl first after winning the toss. Following a wicketless first session on day one, the Indian bowlers returned strongly on day two, quickly reducing Australia to 75/3. However, Smith and Head’s marathon partnership put Australia in control before Bumrah’s fiery spell broke their stand. Despite late wickets, Australia ended the day strongly at 405/7.