Neeraj Chopra Touts Jasprit Bumrah's Potential as Javelin Thrower

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic javelin champion, has identified Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's prominent fast bowler, as a potential javelin thrower. Chopra believes Bumrah possesses the physical attributes necessary to excel in the sport.

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

During a recent segment on Star Sports hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chopra highlighted the fitness and strength of fast bowlers, suggesting these qualities would translate well to javelin throwing.

"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, emphasizing Bumrah's suitability for the sport.

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

England ultimately won the match, successfully chasing a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149. The victory provided England with a 1-0 advantage in the five-match Test series.

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Bumrah's statistics in 2024 are impressive. He has secured 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, topping the list of fast bowlers worldwide during this timeframe. His workload has also been substantial, bowling 410.4 overs, more than any other pace bowler globally. This is more than Mitchell Starc from Australia (362.3 overs) and Gus Atkinson from England (328 overs and 54 wickets).

Ravindra Jadeja is the only other Indian bowler to exceed 400 overs, bowling 400.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj, despite playing the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs.

It is expected that Bumrah will be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston due to workload management considerations. Siraj is likely to spearhead the pace attack, despite his performance in the Headingley Test.

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

Chopra's remarks about Bumrah's potential in javelin underscore the shared athletic demands between cricket and track and field, especially the physical requirements of fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement coincided with the promotion of the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, set for July 5, which will be broadcast on Star Sports.