Indian cricket's premier pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, recently shared a fascinating anecdote from his college days that contrasts sharply with his current reputation for delivering toe-crushing yorkers and swinging deliveries. During a Mumbai Indians IPL training session, Bumrah was spotted playfully donning wicketkeeping gloves, prompting him to reminisce about a university match where he embraced multiple roles on the field.
Bumrah recounted how, in that particular college game, he bowled off-spin, kept wickets—including executing a stumping—and even batted at number six in the order. This versatile performance showcased a side of the cricketer rarely seen in his professional career, where he has established himself as one of the world's most lethal fast bowlers. The revelation adds a layer of intrigue to his journey from amateur versatility to international stardom.
Reflecting on his dominant 2025 season, Bumrah claimed 45 wickets across 21 matches at an impressive average of 21.77 and an economy rate of 3.44, featuring three five-wicket hauls in Test cricket with best figures of 5/27. In the IPL 2025, he spearheaded Mumbai Indians to the playoffs, securing 18 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.55—including a standout five-wicket haul that ranked among the competition's top performances.
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As 2026 unfolds, Bumrah stands just 14 wickets away from the milestone of 500 international wickets, positioning him to join an elite group as the eighth Indian bowler and fourth pacer to achieve this feat. His career tally currently reads 486 wickets in 224 matches at an average of 20.60, bolstered by 18 five-wicket hauls and career-best figures of 6/19. This pursuit underscores his sustained excellence and pivotal role in India's cricketing successes.
Bumrah's lighthearted college story not only humanizes the cricketing icon but also highlights his adaptability and deep-rooted passion for the game in its purest form. Fans eagerly anticipate his continued dominance, blending that early all-round flair with the precision pace that has redefined modern fast bowling.
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