Neeraj Chopra Touts Jasprit Bumrah's Javelin Potential: Olympic Champion Sees Cricket Star's Throwing Prowess

Neeraj Chopra Predicts Which Cricketer Could Excel at Javelin

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion, has identified Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's fast bowler, as a potential javelin star. Chopra believes Bumrah's physical attributes and bowling techniques could translate well to the world of javelin.

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

During a segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chopra highlighted Bumrah's fitness and strength as crucial elements that would make him a successful javelin thrower, 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.

Bumrah's recent cricketing performances underscore his physical capabilities. In the first Test match against England at Headingley, he achieved his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings.

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

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 highlight his exceptional form. He has claimed 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, topping the list of fast bowlers globally during this period.

His workload has been substantial, bowling 410.4 overs, the most among all pace bowlers worldwide. This exceeds Mitchell Starc of Australia (362.3 overs) and Gus Atkinson of England (328 overs and 54 wickets). Ravindra Jadeja is the only other Indian bowler to surpass 400 overs, with 400.1 overs bowled. Mohammed Siraj, despite playing the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs.

Due to workload management considerations, Bumrah is anticipated to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is expected to spearhead the pace attack, despite his less-than-stellar showing in the Headingley Test.

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

This discussion about Bumrah's javelin potential underscores the common athletic threads between cricket and track and field, particularly the physical demands shared by fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement served as promotion for the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5 and broadcast on Star Sports.