Key Points

Ravi Shastri boldly declared Jasprit Bumrah as India's greatest fast bowler ever, even ahead of Kapil Dev. The former coach praised Bumrah's 3-wicket haul on Day 2 against England despite India's overall bowling struggles. Shastri compared Bumrah's skills to West Indies legend Malcolm Marshall, especially his ability to swing the new ball. He believes Bumrah could still turn the Test India's way with early wickets on Day 3.

Key Points: Ravi Shastri Calls Bumrah India's Greatest Seamer Over Kapil Dev

  • Bumrah took 3-48 despite India's bowling struggles
  • Shastri compares Bumrah to legend Malcolm Marshall
  • India still holds edge in 1st Test
  • Bumrah's swing with new ball makes him lethal
2 min read

1st Test: Bumrah is India's greatest seamer of all time, says captain Shastri

Shastri hails Bumrah as India's best-ever fast bowler, surpassing Kapil Dev, after his dominant show in the 1st Test vs England.

"There is no question he is India's greatest fast bowler. I played with Kapil Dev but this guy is different. - Ravi Shastri"

Leeds, June 22

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has declared fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the best seamer the country has ever produced in its history of playing men’s international cricket.

Bumrah ended day two of the first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test with figures of 3-48 from 12 overs, even as the rest of the Indian bowling line-up failed to provide him with any support. He could have had even better figures if Ravindra Jadeja hadn’t put down Ben Duckett at backward point on 15. Bumrah had dismissed Harry Brook at the stroke of stumps on day two, but replays showed it was a no-ball.

"There is no question he is India's greatest fast bowler. I played with Kapil Dev but this guy is different. He can take any opposition apart, on any surface, in any format," said Shastri in a chat with broadcasters Sky Sports ahead of day three’s play.

"I thought Malcolm Marshall was the best I saw in reading a batter and setting him up but this guy is not far behind. Where I have seen Bumrah improve is getting swing with the new ball. When he is swinging the new ball it becomes hard for any batter in the world to counter him, what with the action and the late release," he added.

Shastri also stated that India still have the upper hand, and can have an edge over England if Bumrah produces more magic with the ball in the first hour. "I think India will be disappointed that they didn't add another 75 or 80 runs but towards the end of day two, getting Root out, has evened things."

"I think they still have the upper hand. They have the runs on the board and you know what Bumrah can do. He can crack this game open in the first hour or so. If he can get a couple of wickets, India will think they can get a lead," he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Shastri is spot on! Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation talent. His ability to deliver in all formats and conditions makes him special. Remember that spell against England at Lord's? Pure magic! 🇮🇳🔥
P
Priya M.
While Bumrah is phenomenal, let's not forget Kapil Dev's contributions. He carried our bowling attack single-handedly for years without modern fitness support. Both legends in their own right!
A
Arjun S.
That no-ball was heartbreaking! But Bumrah's consistency is unbelievable. 3 wickets when others struggled shows his class. Hope he stays fit for the World Cup - we need him at his best!
S
Sneha R.
The way Bumrah sets up batsmen is like watching a chess master at work. That Yorker to Ollie Pope was pure genius! 🏏 But our other bowlers need to step up - can't rely on one man always.
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Vikram J.
Shastri's comparison to Marshall is huge praise! Bumrah's unique action makes him so dangerous. But please BCCI, manage his workload carefully - we can't afford another injury to our pace spearhead.
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Neha P.
As a Mumbai Indians fan, I've seen Bumrah's growth from IPL to becoming the world's best. His work ethic is inspiring! But let's not put too much pressure on him - cricket is a team sport after all.

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