How Jasprit Bumrah mastered the art of toe-crushing yorkers

NEW DELHI: If bowling a yorker is an art, then Jasprit Bumrah is its master craftsman. India’s pace spearhead is renowned for his ability to dismantle any batting lineup, striking at crucial moments, and delivering lethal toe-crushers that send the stumps cartwheeling. His deadly precision has made him a nightmare for batters worldwide.

Ahead of the opening Test, India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Bumrah, calling him "the best fast bowler in the world across all three formats."

What sets Bumrah apart from other pacers around the globe?

Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel, who has closely witnessed Bumrah's evolution, shared insights into the pacer’s remarkable rise.

"Bumrah's ability to understand the game and deliver under pressure is what sets him apart from any other bowler in the world," Patel, who is an expert with JioCinema and Sports18, told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.

Bumrah has been in top form during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai.

India scored 376 in their first innings before Bumrah took charge with the ball. He claimed four wickets, including two bowled dismissals, as Bangladesh were skittled out for a mere 149.

Bumrah's bowling figures were impressive, taking 4/50 in 11 overs at an economy rate of 4.50. His victims included Shadman Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Hasan Mahmud, and Taskin Ahmed.

Although Bumrah has only played 36 Test matches, his record is outstanding. He has already claimed 10 five-wicket hauls and has been instrumental in some of India's most unforgettable wins, such as at the Oval in 2021, Melbourne in 2018, and Visakhapatnam in 2024.

His impact isn’t limited to the longest format, he also played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year.

"I have seen him since he made his first-class debut. He was predominantly an inswing bowler, but now you can see how he moves the ball away. He has mastered the yorker length, toe crushers and can disguise his slower deliveries very well. He has worked really hard. He works on a particular delivery for a long time at the nets," the former wicket-keeper said.

"Earlier, he didn’t use bouncers much, but now he has incorporated them into his arsenal. He has all the variations and has become proficient in executing them. Delivering at the right time, under pressure, and in any situation is what makes him a unique bowler in the world. He is positive and has a great mindset," Patel said.

"It's not a one-day result. He has sweated a lot during practice or at nets to master that art," he said.

Bumrah reached a significant milestone on Friday, becoming the 10th Indian bowler to take 400 wickets in international cricket.

Bumrah now has 401 wickets in 196 international matches at an impressive average of 21.01, with his best figures being 6/19. He is the sixth Indian pacer to achieve this feat.

Bumrah's international record
In Tests, Bumrah has taken 163 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 20.49, including 10 five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 6/27.

In ODIs, he has claimed 149 wickets in 89 matches at an average of 23.55, also with best figures of 6/19 and two five-wicket hauls.

In T20Is, he has taken 89 wickets in 70 matches at an average of 17.74, with his best figures being 3/7.






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