During the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the record books by becoming the quickest Indian pacer to take 50 Test wickets on home ground. This impressive milestone was reached in a mere 1,747 deliveries.
This achievement officially places him ahead of Mohammed Shami, who previously held the record, needing 2,267 balls to secure his 50th home Test wicket.
Bumrah’s record-breaking moment came with a classic yorker that sent Johann Layne back to the pavilion. He continued his stellar performance, dismissing John Campbell and Justin Greaves, to finish with figures of 3/42. His brilliant spell was instrumental in restricting the West Indies to 162 runs in their innings.
In terms of innings played, Bumrah also stands out as the quickest Indian pacer to claim 50 Test wickets at home, reaching the mark in just 24 innings. He now shares this distinction with former Indian speedster Javagal Srinath, although Srinath took more deliveries to achieve the same.
Following closely on the list is legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, who took 25 innings. Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami both required 27 innings to reach this milestone.
Among all bowlers who have taken 50 or more Test wickets in India, Bumrah boasts the best average of 17. The only other bowler with over 50 wickets in India to maintain an average below 20 is Australia’s Richard Benaud, who claimed 52 wickets at an average of 18.38.
Bumrah’s extraordinary consistency is further highlighted by the fact that he is the only bowler in Test cricket history with over 200 wickets who maintains a career average below 20. After his recent heroics in Ahmedabad, his overall career statistics stand at an impressive 222 wickets from 49 Test matches, at an average of 19.74.
His precise bowling at the Narendra Modi Stadium was crucial in dismantling the West Indies batting lineup, showcasing his continued dominance and unwavering form in home conditions. This record-breaking performance adds yet another significant chapter to his already illustrious Test career, reaffirming his reputation as one of the game’s most consistent and impactful fast bowlers.