New Delhi: In cricket, receiving praise from the sport's legends is a rare honour, one that India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah has recently earned from Australian great Ricky Ponting.
Ponting has drawn notable comparisons between Bumrah and two of the greatest fast bowlers in history—Glenn McGrath and James Anderson—highlighting the Indian bowler's remarkable skill and consistency.
McGrath, renowned for his impeccable accuracy and subtle variations off the pitch, set the standard for relentless pressure on batsmen. In a similar vein, Bumrah has perfected the art of maintaining unyielding pressure, delivering a barrage of deliveries that rarely offer an easy opportunity to score.
James Anderson, celebrated for his mastery of swing and his enduring presence in Test cricket, finds a parallel in Bumrah's ability to move the ball both ways. Anderson’s long career is a testament to his skill and longevity, attributes that Bumrah seems to emulate with his own unique action and control.
Bumrah’s capacity to leave even the most seasoned batsmen guessing—whether the ball will swing in or out—demonstrates a level of skill that draws comparisons to Anderson’s legendary performances.
Ponting praised Bumrah's exceptional talent and consistency, drawing a clear link to McGrath and Anderson. “When you talk to opposition batsmen about him, it's always, 'No, he's a nightmare! You never know what's going to happen. One's going to swing, one's going to seam, he's going to bowl an in-swinger, he's going to bowl an out-swinger. And the consistency is there,’” Ponting explained. “So when you've got that skillset and the consistency that he has, then you're going to be a great player.
Look at McGrath, look at Anderson, these guys, their longevity and their skills being able to hold up for such a long period of time is what separates them from the rest.”
Yet, it is not only Bumrah's technical prowess that impresses Ponting but also his remarkable resilience and mental fortitude. After enduring a significant back injury in 2022, which sidelined him for nearly a year, Bumrah made a triumphant return. His comeback, marked by a reinvigorated performance, showcased his determination and adaptability. Ponting believes this resilience is a defining factor in Bumrah's elevation to the elite ranks of fast bowlers.
“There might have been some fears a couple of years ago when the injuries came in and ‘would he come back the same?’, but I think he's actually come back better,” Ponting said. “The pace is still there, there's nothing that's changed with the accuracy or what he can deliver. The skillset is all the same. He's getting better year on year.”
As India gears up for high-stakes series such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the ICC World Test Championship 2025 series against Australia, Bumrah’s role will be crucial. With his recent performances reflecting the brilliance that has earned him comparisons to cricket’s all-time greats, fans can look forward to seeing him continue to shine on the international stage.