Neeraj Chopra Touts Jasprit Bumrah's Potential as Javelin Thrower

Neeraj Chopra Identifies Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as Potential Javelin Star

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has suggested that Indian cricket team's star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, possesses the physical attributes necessary to excel in javelin throw. Chopra made the remarks during a special segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu.

India's Neeraj Chopra (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)

Chopra emphasized Bumrah's exceptional fitness and inherent strength as key factors that would enable him to succeed in javelin throw, had he not already achieved prominence 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.

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

Despite Bumrah's efforts, England secured victory by successfully chasing down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149. This win provided England with a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

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

His workload has been substantial, bowling 410.4 overs, which is the highest among all pace bowlers worldwide. This surpasses Australia's Mitchell Starc (362.3 overs) and England's Gus Atkinson (328 overs and 54 wickets).

Among Indian bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja is the only other player to exceed 400 overs, bowling 400.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj, who has played the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs.

Due to workload management considerations, Bumrah is expected to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is anticipated to lead the pace attack, despite his underwhelming performance in the Headingley Test.

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

This discussion about Bumrah's potential in javelin throw illustrates the crossover of athletic abilities between cricket and track and field events, and particularly the similarities in physical demands between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

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