Since his debut for India in Tests in 2018, Jasprit Bumrah has notched up five five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. That's the joint-most by any bowler in Test cricket within this period. Added to this, Bumrah has picked up five-wicket hauls in each of the four countries he has played in so far.
In 12 Tests, Bumrah has 61 wickets at an average of 18.86 and a strike rate of 43. In matches India has won, that average drops to a stunning 14.17. As he chipped through the West Indian batting line-up at Sabina Park, picking up a hat-trick in the process, Virat Kohli swooned from the slips.
"What a bowler, man! What a bowler!"
Kohli could be heard saying over the stump mics. Bumrah had indeed been spectacular in the series against West Indies. A lethal bowler across different phases in an innings, Bumrah has been Kohli's go-to-man in Tests since his debut.
The two have also created a fabulous on-field camaraderie that is reflected in the trust both have in each other. In the World Cup, as Bumrah went through a fantastic spell in India's first game against South Africa, Kohli backed him up with a third slip for Quinton de Kock and Bumrah had the left-hander edging to that very fielder soon enough.
Off his hat-trick ball in the Caribbean, Bumrah had Roston Chase trapped in front but did not appeal assuming the West Indian had inside-edged. But Kohli was adamant in taking the review and in the end he proved to be right as the batsman did not have any bat on the ball. Bumrah later credited his hat-trick to his skipper.
Read: The rise and rise of Jasprit Bumrah in Tests
After the Sabina Park Test, Bumrah has shot up to the third rank - a progress that saw him go from 85th to third in just 12 Tests. But amidst his Antigua spell of five for seven and his hat-trick at Sabina Park, what was missed was a period where he had Test bowling purists in absolute awe.
At the end of his five-wicket haul in the second Test, Bumrah had bowled his last 14 overs for just 19 runs while picking up 10 wickets!
In this fabulous period of play, he swung the ball either way - mostly inswingers to left-handers at Antigua and inswingers to right-handers at Sabina Park. The versatility is evident from his rhythm and incredible skill to bowl two different deliveries with complete ease.
After he had concussion substitute Jermaine Blackwood caught behind in the second innings at Kingston, Bumrah was seen pointing to long-off with a finger on his lips. Kohli followed him in a familiar animated fashion with the same gesture. There were a few comments raised regarding his action after the incredible phase where he picked 10 wickets in 14 overs. Perhaps, he was silencing them. For certain is that he will keep silencing them throughout his career.
Read: Bumrah becomes third Indian to take Test hat-trick
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Randy Brooks
