Published By: Sanchari Das

Jasprit Bumrah Becomes the First Bowler in 22 Years to Join THIS ELITE INDIAN CLUB!

Bumrah celebrates his birthday in style—50 Test wickets and a historic place among India's greatest pacers

India's pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, achieved an incredible milestone on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. Dismissing Usman Khawaja, Bumrah became the first Indian fast bowler in 22 years to bag 50 Test wickets in a calendar year. This feat places him among the legends, as only Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan had previously achieved it. The birthday boy's 2024 performances have showcased brilliance, further solidifying his place in Indian cricket history.

Kapil Dev: The pioneer of 74 wickets in 1979

Kapil Dev became the first Indian bowler to grab 50 wickets in a year, setting the stage in 1979. The World Cup-winning captain featured in 17 Tests that year, scalping 74 wickets at an impressive average of 22.95. His consistency and ability to lead from the front with the ball made him the backbone of India's bowling attack. His economy rate of 2.86 ensured relentless pressure, and his strike rate of 48.01 was a hallmark of his skill. Kapil's brilliance in 1979 laid the foundation for future Indian pacers.

Kapil Dev Again: 75 wickets in 1983

Four years later, Kapil Dev surpassed his own record, claiming 75 Test wickets in 1983. The year witnessed Kapil at his peak, delivering match-winning performances across 18 Tests. Kapil's impact was undeniable, with an average of 23.18 and a strike rate of 46.25. His ability to perform on various surfaces and against formidable opponents highlighted his stature as an all-time great. Kapil's two record-breaking years stand as benchmarks for excellence in Indian cricket.

Zaheer Khan: The left-arm maestro of 2002

After a long gap of 19 years, Zaheer Khan became the second Indian pacer to cross the 50-wicket mark in 2002. Playing 15 Tests, Zaheer took 51 wickets at an average of 29. His lethal swing and pace made him India's go-to bowler in crucial matches. With an economy rate of 3.08 and a strike rate of 56.37, Zaheer's rise mirrored his transformation into a match-winner. His exploits in 2002 marked a turning point for India's pace attack, inspiring a new generation of bowlers.

Jasprit Bumrah: 50 wickets and counting in 2024

Fast forward to 2024, and Jasprit Bumrah has become the torchbearer of India's pace legacy. Celebrating his 31st birthday, Bumrah reached the historic feat during his first spell in Adelaide. He has been a standout performer throughout 2024. Across 11 Tests, he has picked up 50 wickets at an astonishing average of 15.14 and an economy rate of 3.00. His consistency extends across formats, with 65 wickets in 19 matches this year. Notably, Bumrah played a key role in India's T20 World Cup win in June, where he took 15 wickets in eight matches, finishing third on the tournament's wicket-takers list. Whether red-ball or white-ball cricket, Bumrah has been India's go-to man.

Records that inspire

Bumrah's achievement stands tall among some of the greatest records in cricket. Kapil Dev's 75 wickets in 1983 remain unmatched by any Indian pacer, while Australian legend Dennis Lillee holds the record for most wickets by a fast bowler in a calendar year with 85 in 1981. Shane Warne leads all bowlers with a staggering 96 wickets in 2005.

As the series progresses, the team will rely on Bumrah to keep their Border-Gavaskar Trophy hopes alive and deliver another iconic performance.