Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has hailed star pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the savior of India’s campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, asserting that without Bumrah, India would have faced a humiliating 5-0 series defeat against Australia. Instead, the spirited pacer’s exploits limited the loss to a 3-1 margin.
Over 45 days of gripping cricket, Bumrah emerged as India’s standout performer, tormenting Australian batters and etching his name in history. His fiery spells were pivotal in India’s record-breaking 295-run triumph in the series opener in Perth. Bumrah’s relentless brilliance continued across the series, culminating in his tally as the highest wicket-taker with 32 scalps.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Bumrah’s extraordinary achievements in the series included three five-wicket hauls and a career-best 6/76, with an exceptional bowling average of 12.64. These efforts propelled him past Bishan Singh Bedi’s record of 31 wickets on the 1977-78 tour, making him India’s highest wicket-taker in a Test series against Australia on their soil.
Harbhajan’s High Praise
The former off-spinner, speaking on his YouTube channel, described Bumrah as a “national treasure” and credited him with single-handedly keeping India competitive.
“If Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t in this tour, the series would have ended 5-0. Jassi saved India in Perth and continued to do so in the remaining matches. Without him, it would have been a clean sweep in favor of Australia,” Harbhajan said.
Global Recognition
Bumrah’s dominance did not go unnoticed, with accolades pouring in from around the cricketing world. Australian batter Travis Head called it the best “individual performance” he had witnessed in Test cricket.
Despite India’s series loss, Bumrah’s heroics were honored as he was named Player of the Series, cementing his status as one of the most formidable bowlers in modern cricket.
