A decade of brilliance: Jasprit Bumrah completes 10 years in international cricket, redefining pace bowling with precision and consistency.
On 23 January 2026, Jasprit Bumrah quietly ticked off a milestone that only a handful of fast bowlers ever reach — ten years in international cricket. He made his India ODI debut against Australia on 23 January 2016 in Sydney. For most pacers, a decade at the top is a constant battle against injuries, fading pace and declining impact. For Bumrah, it has been quite the opposite.
For someone who began as a young bowler with an awkward, unorthodox action and a calm, almost shy demeanour, Bumrah has grown into one of the most dominant fast bowlers of the modern era. From debut nerves in Australia to becoming India’s undisputed spearhead across all three formats, Bumrah’s journey has been built on resilience, precision and an almost obsessive mastery of execution.
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The early days: Different but dangerous
Right from the start, Jasprit Bumrah looked different. The short run-up, unusual round-arm release and skiddy pace made him awkward to face and even harder to read. Batters often struggled to pick the ball from his hand, and before they could settle, the stumps were already disturbed.
But what truly set him apart wasn’t just pace, it was control. Yorkers, slower balls and hard lengths, everything landed with remarkable accuracy. Even as a youngster, captains trusted him with the toughest overs, a rare show of faith for a new fast bowler.
His rise, too, was unconventional. Born in Ahmedabad in 1993 and raised in modest circumstances, Bumrah wasn’t tagged as a future superstar. In fact, his unusual action drew more scepticism than praise. Yet, performances kept silencing critics.
On the 2016 tour of Australia, he announced himself by dismissing Steven Smith for his maiden ODI wicket, finishing with impressive figures of 2/40 in Sydney. Days later, he made an immediate mark in T20Is as well, picking up three wickets and showcasing the calmness under pressure that would soon become his trademark.
While others relied on intimidation through raw speed, Bumrah relied on intelligence. He didn’t just bowl fast; he bowled smart. And that made him dangerous from day one.
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Red-Ball masterclass
If white-ball cricket introduced him to the world, Test cricket elevated Bumrah into the elite bracket.
Making his Test debut in South Africa in 2018, he quickly established himself as India’s go-to fast bowler overseas, something very few Indian pacers had managed consistently before him. Conditions that traditionally troubled visiting bowlers seemed to bring out the best in him.
In England, he made the ball swing late.
In Australia, he broke partnerships at will.
In South Africa, he looked virtually unplayable.
His numbers tell the story of that dominance. In just 52 Tests, Bumrah has claimed 234 wickets at an outstanding average of 19.79, alongside 16 five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 6/27. Among bowlers with 200-plus wickets in Test history, very few have maintained an average this good.
He played a defining role in India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018–19 and went on to become India’s first fast bowler to reach No.1 in the ICC Test rankings, a recognition of his sustained excellence.
White-Ball wizardry: ODI and T20 dominance
Jasprit Bumrah’s impact hasn’t been limited to red-ball cricket. In limited-overs formats, he has evolved into the complete fast bowler, equally effective with the new ball, through the middle overs and at the death.
In ODIs, he has played 89 matches, taking 149 wickets at an average of 23.55, with best figures of 6/19. His economy rate has consistently remained among the best for frontline fast bowlers, reflecting his ability to control games as much as win them. Whether it’s breaking partnerships or defending tight totals, Bumrah has been India’s most reliable option in pressure moments.
In T20 Internationals, where bowlers often struggle to survive, Bumrah has excelled. Across 84 matches, he has picked up 103 wickets at an impressive average of 18.45, maintaining a superb economy rate of 6.42, a rare achievement in the shortest format. Bowling the toughest overs regularly, he turned the death overs into his personal stronghold.
His crowning moment in white-ball cricket came during India’s 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph, where he spearheaded the attack, delivered crucial spells under pressure and finished as Player of the Tournament. He took 15 wickets in eight matches at an exceptional average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17, once again proving that big occasions bring out his best.
Over the years, he has also become one of the finest players in the IPL, with consistent performances that have made him one of the most feared death bowlers in T20 cricket worldwide.
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The bowler beyond numbers
Across his career, some of cricket’s biggest names have praised Jasprit Bumrah’s impact and character. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting called him “a nightmare” for opposition batters, while former India coach Ravi Shastri described him as India’s greatest fast bowler. Curtly Ambrose, the legendary West Indies pacer, has admired his craft, calling it a joy to watch, and South African quick Vernon Philander labelled him “the most complete bowler at the moment.”
Even current opponents acknowledge his brilliance. Former England batter Kevin Pietersen once warned right-handers about the difficulty of scoring off him, while Australia pacer Mitchell Starc praised his unique action and pinpoint accuracy, highlighting the technical mastery that makes Bumrah so challenging to face. Together, these voices reflect the fear and respect he commands worldwide.
Beyond the records, the rankings and the milestones, what truly separates Bumrah from the rest is his temperament. Calm, composed and understated, he has never relied on theatrics or aggression. There are no extravagant celebrations, no noise, just quiet focus and ruthless execution.
Whether it’s defending 10 runs in the final over of a tense T20, breaking a stubborn partnership on Day 5 of a Test, or leading India’s attack in challenging overseas conditions, his body language rarely changes. Pressure never fazes him; it only makes him sharper and more focused.
Teammates trust him instinctively. Captains turn to him when the game is slipping away. Opponents know that one Bumrah spell can undo hours of hard work. Over the years, he hasn’t just been India’s best fast bowler, he has become the heartbeat of the entire bowling unit.
A decade after his debut, Bumrah still stands at the centre of India’s plans. With a packed international calendar ahead and crucial overseas assignments lined up, he continues to lead the pace attack across formats. And the next big chapter is already in sight, the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, where expectations will once again rest heavily on his shoulders. As India’s premier strike bowler, he will be expected to spearhead the attack, deliver in crunch moments and guide the younger fast bowlers through high-pressure games.
Because with Jasprit Bumrah, the belief remains constant, whenever he has the ball in hand, something special is about to happen.
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