Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Eyes Jasprit Bumrah as Potential Javelin Prodigy

Neeraj Chopra Picks Jasprit Bumrah as Potential Javelin Star

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has identified Indian cricket team's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a potential javelin thrower. During a special segment on Star Sports hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chopra highlighted Bumrah's physical attributes and techniques as key factors for success in the sport.

Neeraj Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah has the physical attributes for javelin.

Chopra emphasized Bumrah's fitness and strength as crucial elements that would translate well to javelin, had he not been a cricketer. "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.

Bumrah's recent cricketing performance underscores his physical capabilities. In the first Test match against England at Headingley, he achieved his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings.

England, however, won the match by successfully chasing a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149. This victory granted England a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's 2024 statistics showcase his remarkable abilities. He has taken 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, making him the leading fast bowler globally in this period.

Team India preparing for the second Test against England.

He has bowled 410.4 overs, the highest workload among all pace bowlers worldwide. This is more than Australia's Mitchell Starc (362.3 overs) and England's Gus Atkinson (328 overs and 54 wickets). Among Indian bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja is the only other player to exceed 400 overs, with 400.1 overs bowled. Mohammed Siraj, who has played the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs.

Due to workload management, Bumrah is likely to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is expected to lead 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, where India will strive to level the series against England.

This discussion surrounding Bumrah's potential in javelin throw emphasizes the overlap of athletic skills between cricket and track and field events, especially the shared physical demands between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

The announcement was made to promote the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, which will be broadcast on Star Sports.