Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has made a bold prediction about Jasprit Bumrah’s future in international cricket, saying the Indian vice-captain would eventually claim a spot alongside bowling legends like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram in cricket’s history.
Bumrah stole the show during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite his team’s 1-3 loss, the 31-year-old speedster was awarded the Player of the Series for his incredible bowling display across the five Tests.
“By the time he finishes his career, we will be talking about him in the same breath as McGrath and Wasim Akram. He was so influential over the series,” Haddin said on the Willow Talk podcast on YouTube.
Haddin added that Bumrah still had much to prove in international cricket. However, the Australian firmly believed he would be in the conversation for the greatest of all time if he continued his dominant run.
“I wouldn’t put him on top of that league. He’s got a long way to go. He’s got 200 Test wickets. We hope to see him sometime. If he continues the same way he is going, his name will be in that conversation,” Haddin said.
Bumrah captained the visitors in Perth and led them to a dominant 295-run victory. It was India’s only victory on the overseas tour.
Individually, the 31-year-old led the bowling charts throughout the campaign. He took 32 wickets in the series at an average of 13.06 and an economy rate of 2.76.
He donned the skipper role for a second time during the final Test in Sydney but couldn’t help India retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The star pacer also had to miss India’s second bowling innings due to a back spasm.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming to a close on January 5, India is now preparing for the upcoming England series at home. The Men in Blue will face the Englishmen in five T20Is and three ODIs from January 22.
Given that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy draws closer, Jasprit Bumrah is likely going to be rested for the majority of that rubber. The BCCI is reportedly aiming to ensure that the India pacer is ready for the ICC showpiece, where his presence will be mandatory for India’s success.
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