On Day 2 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in history by becoming only the 10th Indian bowler and the sixth Indian pacer to claim 400 international wickets across all formats. This achievement is a testament to Bumrah’s exceptional consistency, versatility, and impact on international cricket.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Bumrah’s Rise to 400 Wickets
Since making his international debut in 2016, Bumrah has become one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Known for his unorthodox action, searing pace, and deadly accuracy, Bumrah has been a vital cog in India’s bowling lineup, excelling in all three formats of the game.
By the time he reached this monumental achievement, Bumrah had amassed:
- 162 wickets in Test matches,
- 149 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs),
- 89 wickets in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
His overall bowling average across formats stands at an impressive 21.01, making him one of the most consistent bowlers in modern cricket. Furthermore, his strike rate of 33.2 ranks among the best, second only to Lasith Malinga.
How Bumrah Reached the 400-Wicket Mark
Jasprit Bumrah’s 400th wicket came during Bangladesh’s first innings in the Chennai Test. He dismissed Hasan Mahmud, marking the significant milestone. Earlier on Day 2, Bumrah had already rattled the Bangladeshi batting lineup by dismissing opener Shadman Islam and experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim, both in quick succession.
By achieving this feat, Bumrah joined an elite club of Indian fast bowlers, including:
- Kapil Dev: 687 wickets
- Zaheer Khan: 597 wickets
- Javagal Srinath: 551 wickets
- Mohammed Shami: 448 wickets
- Ishant Sharma: 434 wickets
The Evolution of Jasprit Bumrah: From IPL Phenom to Test Specialist
Bumrah initially rose to prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a white-ball specialist. His pace, combined with his pinpoint yorkers, made him a nightmare for opposition batsmen in T20 cricket. However, it wasn’t long before he made his mark in Test cricket, transforming himself from a limited-overs bowler into India’s spearhead in the longest format.
Bumrah made his Test debut in January 2018 against South Africa, and his meteoric rise in red-ball cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. By 2024, he had already taken 12 five-wicket hauls in Test matches, proving his ability to deliver under pressure, even in foreign conditions.
Bumrah’s Impact on Indian Cricket
Jasprit Bumrah’s achievement of 400 wickets across all formats is not just a personal milestone; it underscores his profound impact on Indian cricket. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, bowl deadly yorkers, and maintain control at any phase of the game, Bumrah has redefined what it means to be a fast bowler from the subcontinent.
His performances have often been the difference-maker in several crucial matches, including India’s overseas Test victories in Australia and England, and his role in limited-overs formats has been pivotal in securing India’s success in global tournaments. Bumrah’s versatility has allowed him to excel on all surfaces — from the fast pitches in Australia to the slow, turning tracks in India.
Bumrah’s Record in Context: A Place Among Legends
Jasprit Bumrah’s achievement puts him in the esteemed company of Indian cricket legends, including Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Harbhajan Singh, who have all taken over 400 wickets for India. Here’s how Bumrah’s 400 wickets compare to other Indian greats:
- Anil Kumble: 953 wickets (the highest for any Indian bowler)
- Ravichandran Ashwin: 744 wickets
- Harbhajan Singh: 707 wickets
What sets Bumrah apart from many of these players is his ability to excel in all formats. While many bowlers specialize in either Test matches or limited-overs cricket, Bumrah has thrived in all formats, making him one of the most valuable assets to Indian cricket.
A Glimpse into the Future: What’s Next for Bumrah?
At 30 years old, Jasprit Bumrah still has several years of cricket ahead of him, and there is every reason to believe that he will add many more wickets to his tally. With several major tournaments and series on the horizon, including the 2025 ICC Cricket World Cup and Test series against top cricketing nations, Bumrah will continue to lead India’s bowling attack.
As India transitions into the next generation of cricketers, Bumrah will play a critical role in mentoring young pacers and ensuring that Indian cricket continues its dominance on the global stage.
Conclusion: A Milestone to Celebrate
Jasprit Bumrah’s 400 wickets across all formats is not just a statistical achievement; it’s a reflection of his resilience, hard work, and ability to adapt to the evolving demands of modern cricket. As one of the most feared bowlers in the world, Bumrah’s journey from a promising IPL talent to India’s leading pacer in all formats is nothing short of remarkable.
This milestone, however, is just one chapter in his career. With years of cricket still ahead, there’s no doubt that Bumrah will continue to etch his name in cricketing history, adding to his legacy as one of India’s all-time greats.
