Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s most lethal fast bowlers, is set to lead the Indian pace attack in the must-win second Test against New Zealand. The match will take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, beginning on Thursday, October 24. This Test holds significant importance for India as they aim to stay in contention for the series, but it also presents a major personal milestone for Bumrah. Just five wickets separate him from joining the elite list of bowlers who have taken 50 wickets in a single edition of the World Test Championship (WTC), a list that includes the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Road to the Milestone
Bumrah, who was India’s standout bowler in the first Test at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has proven time and again why he’s ranked as the No. 1 bowler in the world. With 45 wickets to his name in just nine matches of the 2023-25 WTC cycle, Bumrah is on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler, after Ashwin, to dismiss 50 batters in a single WTC edition. His outstanding ability to extract movement and consistently challenge the best batters has placed him among the top wicket-takers in the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The Benchmark in WTC Bowling
Ashwin’s record in the World Test Championship is nothing short of remarkable. The veteran off-spinner is the only bowler in the world to have claimed at least 50 wickets in every WTC cycle to date. In the 2019-21 cycle, Ashwin scalped 71 wickets in 14 matches, while he followed it up with 61 wickets in 13 games during the 2021-23 cycle. His consistency and mastery over spin have earned him a place among the greatest Test bowlers of all time, and he continues to lead the wickets chart in the ongoing 2023-25 edition with 54 wickets in 11 matches so far.
Ashwin’s ability to dominate in all conditions has been key to India’s success in Test cricket. Whether in the subcontinent or abroad, he has consistently delivered match-winning performances. His achievement of being the only bowler to take 50+ wickets across three WTC editions is a testament to his unmatched skills and longevity in the game.
Indian Bowlers Who Excelled in the WTC
Bumrah’s entry into the 50-wicket club would add another feather to his cap, but it would also solidify his standing among the elite bowlers in Indian Test cricket. Here is a look at some of the top Indian wicket-takers in a single WTC edition:
- Ravichandran Ashwin (2019-21) – 71 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin (2021-23) – 61 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin (2023-25) – 54 wickets (ongoing)
- Ravindra Jadeja (2021-23) – 47 wickets
- Jasprit Bumrah (2023-25) – 45 wickets (ongoing)
- Jasprit Bumrah (2021-23) – 45 wickets
- Mohammed Shami (2021-23) – 45 wickets
- Mohammed Shami (2019-21) – 40 wickets
- Ishant Sharma (2019-21) – 39 wickets
- Ravindra Jadeja (2023-25) – 38 wickets (ongoing)
The list reflects the quality of India’s bowling attack, with Ashwin consistently topping the charts, while Bumrah, Shami, and Jadeja have played pivotal roles in India’s WTC campaigns.
The Global Elite: Bowlers with 50+ Wickets in a WTC Edition
Joining Ashwin in the global elite are some of the world’s finest bowlers who have also managed to claim more than 50 wickets in a single WTC cycle. This prestigious group includes names like Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Tim Southee, Stuart Broad, Kagiso Rabada, James Anderson, Mitchell Starc, and Ollie Robinson.
The record for the most wickets in a single WTC edition is held by Australia’s Nathan Lyon, who took an astonishing 88 wickets in 20 matches during the 2021-23 cycle. Lyon’s ability to thrive in all conditions has made him one of the best spinners in modern-day cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Consistent Performance in WTC
Bumrah has been a consistent performer for India in the World Test Championship. In the 2019-21 cycle, he dismissed 34 batters in 10 matches. He followed that up by taking 45 wickets in the 2021-23 cycle, despite missing several key matches, including the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the WTC final against Australia due to a back injury. His impressive wicket tally in the current 2023-25 edition further highlights his importance to the Indian team’s success.
Bumrah’s unique bowling action, combined with his pace and ability to bowl deadly yorkers, makes him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Despite battling injuries, Bumrah continues to remain a key asset for India, particularly in the WTC, where his performances have been instrumental in pushing India to the top of the Test rankings.
What’s Next for Bumrah and India?
As India prepares for the second Test against New Zealand, all eyes will be on Bumrah as he looks to achieve the coveted 50-wicket mark. This milestone would not only be a personal achievement for him but also a boost for the Indian team as they aim to win the series and continue their march in the World Test Championship.
With his eyes set on this goal, Bumrah’s performance in Pune could further solidify his legacy as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers. If he reaches the 50-wicket milestone, he will join an elite list of bowlers who have left their mark on the WTC, alongside his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin.
In conclusion, Jasprit Bumrah is on the brink of etching his name in the history books, and with the second Test against New Zealand just around the corner, he is well-positioned to achieve this milestone. Whether or not he reaches the 50-wicket mark in this Test, his contributions to Indian cricket and the WTC are already extraordinary
