India's ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah has made a name for himself as arguably the finest fast bowler that India has produced in their history.
His Test bowling average of 19.82 is the best among the bowlers who have picked over 200 wickets in the format. Bumrah has seen a steady rise in his career since making his international debut in 2016.
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Now to his former bowling partner and senior Ishant Sharma reveals what set Bumrah apart from a young age.
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What did Ishant Sharma say about Jasprit Bumrah?
Speaking to Padamjeet Sehrawat, Ishant recalled a domestic match he played against Bumrah in 2015, which prompted him to recommend the youngster to then India team director Ravi Shastri.
Ishant, who last played for India in 2021, said he was impressed with Bumrah's action and the release point, which made him difficult to pick as a batter.
"His mindset and self-belief sets him apart. We once played a Delhi vs Gujarat List A final in Bengaluru in 2016, and he picked a five-wicket haul. We later went to Australia and I told Ravi [Shastri] bhai that if we need someone in this team, it is Jasprit Bumrah," he revealed.
"Look at the fortunes, someone got injured and Jasprit Bumrah immediately got picked. His mindset and self-belief from that point onwards made him special.
When Ishant faced Bumrah in the domestic match ten years ago, the now-India talisman helped Gujarat lift the Vijay Hazare Trophy by helping them defend 274 in the final against Delhi.
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He took 5/28 in his 9.3 overs, scalping wickets of Unmukt Chand, Nitish Rana, Pawan Negi, Suboth Bhati and Ishant Sharma.
In less than a month after this match, Bumrah made his international debut during the 5th ODI of the India vs Australia series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
What is Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma record in Tests?
Sharma has scalped 311 Test wickets in 105 matches, while Bumrah is currently sitting at 219 wickets in 48 matches.
| Bowler | Matches | Wickets | Avg/SR | Economy rate | Best Figures | 5w/10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishant Sharma | 105 | 311 | 32.40/61.6 | 3.15 | 7/74 | 11/1 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 48 | 219 | 19.82/42.6 | 2.89 | 6/27 | 15/0 |