Neeraj Chopra Tips Jasprit Bumrah for Javelin Success: Olympic Champion Sees Potential in Indian Cricketer

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist, has made a surprising pick for a cricketer who could potentially dominate the javelin throw: Jasprit Bumrah. Chopra believes the Indian cricket team's fast bowler possesses the physical attributes and techniques necessary to excel in the sport.

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

During a segment on Star Sports hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chopra highlighted Bumrah's fitness and strength as critical factors. He suggested that if Bumrah weren't already a successful cricketer, he could easily transition to javelin throw.

"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 on Star Sports.

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 ultimately won the match, chasing down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149. This victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 demonstrate his prowess. He has claimed 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers globally during this period.

His workload has been significant, with 410.4 overs bowled, the highest among all pace bowlers worldwide.

Among Indian bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja is the only other player to exceed 400 overs, bowling 400.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj, who has played the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs.

Due to workload management considerations, Bumrah is expected to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is anticipated to lead the pace attack, despite his underwhelming performance in the Headingley Test.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 2 in Birmingham, where India will attempt to level the series against England.

This discussion about Bumrah's potential in javelin throw underscores the crossover of athletic abilities between cricket and track and field, particularly the similarities in physical demands between fast bowling and javelin throwing.

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