Neeraj Chopra Touts Jasprit Bumrah's Javelin Potential: Fitness and Strength Key, Says Olympic Gold Medalist

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist in javelin, believes that Indian cricket team's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah could excel in javelin throw if he weren't already a cricket star. Chopra made this surprising pick during a recent segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu. His assessment is based on the physical attributes and techniques shared by fast bowlers and javelin throwers.

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

Chopra highlighted Bumrah's fitness and strength as critical assets that would translate well to javelin throwing. He believes these attributes, honed through years of cricket, would give Bumrah a natural advantage in the sport.

"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 performances on the cricket field underscore his exceptional physical capabilities. During the first Test match against England at Headingley, he achieved his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings.

However, despite Bumrah's efforts, England secured victory by successfully chasing down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149. This win propelled England to a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 are a testament to his prowess. He has claimed an impressive 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, leading all fast bowlers globally during this period.

His workload has been substantial, having bowled 410.4 overs, the most among all pace bowlers worldwide. This exceeds Mitchell Starc of Australia (362.3 overs) and Gus Atkinson of England (328 overs and 54 wickets). Among Indian bowlers, only Ravindra Jadeja has bowled more than 400 overs (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 anticipated to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is expected to spearhead the pace attack, despite his less-than-stellar performance in the Headingley Test.

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

This discussion regarding Bumrah's potential in javelin throw emphasizes the intersection of athletic abilities between cricket and track and field, especially the shared physical demands of fast bowling and javelin throwing.

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