Jasprit Bumrah
Published : Dec 28, 2018 14:54 IST
He may have made a name for himself in the shorter formats, but ever since he was handed the Test cap in the first week of 2018, Jasprit Bumrah has justified his call-up by emerging as the most threatening of what has arguably been India’s most potent pace attack.
His unique open-chested bowling action may not impress a connoisseur but a combination of his pace, consistency and variations has meant he has made his mark in all three formats in international cricket, a rarity in international cricket nowadays.
He started his Test career with 14 wickets in India’s three-Test series in South Africa and didn’t lose his mojo despite being forced on the sidelines due to a finger injury he suffered during the Indian Premier League.
His exploits with the red cherry haven’t resulted in a loss of form with the white ball.
Having picked 22 scalps in 13 ODIs, his economy rate of 3.62 is the best in international cricket in 2018 for bowlers with 15-plus wickets.
Add to that the fact that he tops the ICC Rankings for T20 bowlers and Bumrah’s tag as a "complete package" is naturally justified.