Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Tips Jasprit Bumrah for Javelin Success

Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic champion, has identified Indian cricket team's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a potential javelin star. During a segment on Star Sports hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chopra stated that Bumrah possesses the physical attributes and techniques required to excel in the sport.

Neeraj Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah has potential in javelin

Chopra emphasized Bumrah's fitness and strength as crucial factors. He believes that if Bumrah weren't already a successful cricketer, he would be well-suited for javelin.

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

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

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

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 demonstrate his dominance. He has claimed 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers worldwide during this period. His workload has been significant, bowling 410.4 overs, the most among all pace bowlers globally. This is more than Australia's Mitchell Starc (362.3 overs) and England's Gus Atkinson (328 overs and 54 wickets). Among Indian bowlers, only Ravindra Jadeja (400.1 overs) has exceeded 400 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 rest for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is likely to lead the pace attack, despite his performance in the Headingley Test. The second Test is scheduled to begin on July 2 in Birmingham, where India will aim to level the series.

This discussion highlights the shared athletic demands of cricket and track and field, especially the physical similarities between fast bowling and javelin throwing. The comments were made to promote the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event on July 5, broadcast on Star Sports.