Neeraj Chopra Tips Jasprit Bumrah for Javelin Success: Olympic Champion Sees Potential in Indian Cricketer

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist in javelin, has made a surprising pick for a cricketer who could potentially dominate in javelin throw. During a special segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chopra suggested that Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's fast bowler, possesses the necessary attributes to excel in the sport.

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

Chopra's assessment is based on the physical conditioning and techniques inherent in fast bowlers. He specifically highlighted Bumrah's fitness and strength as key elements that would make him a successful javelin thrower, were he not already a prominent figure 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 further underscores his athletic capabilities. In the first Test match against England, he achieved his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings. While he didn't secure any wickets in the second innings, his overall performance in 2024 demonstrates his exceptional form. He has taken a remarkable 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, surpassing all other fast bowlers globally during this period.

Bumrah's high workload is evidenced by the 410.4 overs he has bowled, the most among all pace bowlers worldwide. In comparison, Australia's Mitchell Starc has bowled 362.3 overs, and England's Gus Atkinson has bowled 328 overs, securing 54 wickets. Among Indian bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja is the only other player to have exceeded 400 overs, with 400.1 overs bowled. 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 likely to lead 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.

The discussion about Bumrah's javelin potential underscores the interconnectedness of athletic abilities across different sports, particularly the physical demands shared by fast bowling and javelin throwing.

This announcement served as part of the promotional efforts for the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, and broadcast on Star Sports.