Neeraj Chopra: Star Indian Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah Could Excel in Javelin

Neeraj Chopra Picks This Cricketer as Potential Javelin Star

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, has identified an unexpected candidate who he believes could excel in the sport: Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's fast bowler. Chopra shared his insights during a special segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu. He based his assessment on the physical attributes and techniques inherent in fast bowlers.

Chopra emphasized Bumrah's exceptional fitness and strength as key factors that would translate well to javelin throw, had he not already found success in cricket.

"I think it would be a fast bowler for sure. So, I think a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be good at it," Chopra stated on Star Sports.

Bumrah's recent cricketing performance underscores his remarkable physical capabilities. During the first Test match against England at Headingley, he achieved his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings.

England ultimately won the match, successfully chasing a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149. This victory gave England a 1-0 advantage in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 highlight his dominance. He has claimed 78 wickets in only 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers worldwide in this period.

His workload has also been substantial, bowling 410.4 overs, the most among all pace bowlers globally. This surpasses Australia's Mitchell Starc, who has bowled 362.3 overs, and England's Gus Atkinson with 328 overs and 54 wickets. Ravindra Jadeja is the only other Indian bowler to exceed 400 overs, with 400.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj, who has played the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs.

Due to workload management, Bumrah is expected to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is likely to spearhead the pace attack, despite his less-than-stellar performance in the Headingley Test.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to commence on July 2 in Birmingham, where India will aim to level the series against England.

This discussion about Bumrah's potential in javelin throw emphasizes the potential transfer of athletic skills between cricket and track and field, specifically the parallels in physical demands between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement was part of the promotion for the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, which will be broadcast on Star Sports.