Neeraj Chopra Tipped Jasprit Bumrah for Javelin Success; Cites Cricketer's Fitness as Key

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic javelin champion, has identified Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's prominent fast bowler, as a potential javelin thrower. This surprising assessment came during a Star Sports segment hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu. Chopra believes Bumrah possesses the physical attributes and techniques necessary to excel in the sport.

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

Chopra emphasized Bumrah's exceptional fitness and strength as key factors that would make him a strong contender in javelin, had he not already established himself 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 on Star Sports.

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, demonstrating his skill and stamina. However, he was unable to secure any wickets in the second innings.

England won the match, successfully chasing down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149 runs. This victory provided England with a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 highlight his remarkable abilities. He has claimed 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers worldwide during this period.

His workload has been substantial, bowling 410.4 overs, which is the highest among all pace bowlers globally. This surpasses Australia's Mitchell Starc, who has bowled 362.3 overs, and England's Gus Atkinson with 328 overs and 54 wickets. Ravindra Jadeja is the only other Indian bowler to exceed 400 overs, bowling 400.1 overs. 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 anticipated to lead the pace attack, despite his underwhelming performance in the Headingley Test.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 2 in Birmingham, where India will seek to level the series against England.

This discussion about Bumrah's potential in javelin throw illustrates the shared athletic demands between cricket and track and field, emphasizing the physical similarities between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

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