Neeraj Chopra Taps Jasprit Bumrah as Potential Javelin Prodigy

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion in javelin, has suggested that Indian cricket team's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah could also excel in the javelin throw. Chopra made this surprising pick during a segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, citing Bumrah's physical attributes and techniques as key factors.

Chopra emphasized Bumrah's fitness and strength as crucial elements that would make him a strong javelin thrower, had he not been a cricketer.

"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 on Star Sports.

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

Despite Bumrah's efforts, England won the match, successfully chasing a target of 371 runs. This victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 demonstrate his exceptional form. He has claimed 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers worldwide in this period.

His workload has been substantial, 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, 54 wickets). Ravindra Jadeja is the only other Indian bowler to exceed 400 overs, with 400.1 overs.

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

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

This discussion highlights the potential crossover between cricket and track and field, particularly the physical similarities between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement was made to promote the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, which will be broadcast on Star Sports.