Neeraj Chopra Tips Jasprit Bumrah for Javelin Success: Olympic Champion Sees Potential in Indian Cricket Star

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist in javelin, has suggested that Indian cricket team's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah possesses the inherent abilities to succeed in javelin throw. Chopra shared his insights during a segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Neeraj Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah has the potential to excel in javelin throw.

Chopra based his assessment on the physical attributes and techniques shared by fast bowlers. He specifically highlighted Bumrah's fitness and strength as crucial elements that would translate well to javelin, had he not already been a prominent figure 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 performances underscore his exceptional physical condition. In the first Test match against England at Headingley, he achieved his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings.

However, England secured victory by successfully chasing down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett's impressive score of 149. This win provided England with a 1-0 advantage in the five-match Test series.

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

His workload has been considerable, having bowled 410.4 overs, the most among all pace bowlers globally. This exceeds Australia's Mitchell Starc, who has bowled 362.3 overs, and England's Gus Atkinson with 328 overs and 54 wickets. Among Indian bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja is the only other player to surpass 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, Bumrah is expected to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is likely to spearhead the pace attack, despite his less-than-stellar performance 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 regarding Bumrah's javelin potential emphasizes the interconnectedness of athletic skills between cricket and track and field, particularly the similarities in physical demands between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement coincided with promotions for the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, slated for July 5, which will be broadcast on Star Sports.