Neeraj Chopra Taps Jasprit Bumrah as Potential Javelin Star

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion, has made a surprising pick for an athlete who could potentially excel in the javelin throw: 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.

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

Chopra's assessment stems from the physical attributes and techniques inherent in fast bowlers. He specifically emphasized Bumrah's exceptional fitness and strength as qualities that would translate well to the javelin throw, had Bumrah 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.

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

However, England secured a victory in the match, chasing down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149 runs. This win provided England with a 1-0 advantage in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 highlight his prowess. He has claimed 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers globally during this period. His workload has been substantial, with 410.4 overs bowled, the highest among all pace bowlers worldwide.

This is more than Mitchell Starc's 362.3 overs and Gus Atkinson's 328 overs with 54 wickets. Ravindra Jadeja is the only other Indian bowler to bowl over 400 overs, bowling 400.1 overs.

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

The second Test of the series is scheduled to commence on July 2 in Birmingham.

This discussion emphasizes the crossover of athletic abilities between cricket and track and field, especially the physical similarities between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement served as promotion for the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, to be broadcast on Star Sports.