Canberra: On the first day of the Perth Test, spectators and pundits alike were mesmerized by Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling performance. While many had seen him dominate on TV, witnessing his precision, pace, and ability to outthink batters live was a different experience altogether. His mastery left Australians in awe, with reactions ranging from “Bumrah is magic” to “the best bowler in the world.”
However, despite his undeniable brilliance, the ICC’s official rankings seem inadequate in fully capturing Bumrah’s impact on the game.
Bumrah’s Test Mastery
On November 27, the ICC declared Bumrah as the No. 1 bowler in Test cricket, following his match-winning figures of 5/30 and 3/42 against Australia. With this, he regained the top spot in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings, surpassing Josh Hazlewood and Kagiso Rabada. Bumrah’s 883 rating points are now the highest ever achieved by an Indian pacer.
This marked the third time in 2024 that Bumrah reached the pinnacle of the Test rankings. However, one must wonder why such dominance is viewed as something to “regain” rather than being consistently acknowledged.
A Ranking System That Falls Short
While Bumrah’s Test brilliance is somewhat reflected in the rankings, the ODI and T20 standings are far less convincing. Bumrah, a force to be reckoned with in white-ball cricket, is ranked seventh in ODIs, with names like Keshav Maharaj and Bernard Scholtz ranked above him. In T20s, his ranking drops even further to 34th, despite his unmatched performances in the IPL and international cricket.
Such discrepancies raise questions about the effectiveness of the ICC ranking system, which often seems disconnected from actual match-winning performances.
A Modern-Day Innovator
Bumrah’s ability to adapt and dominate across all formats is unparalleled. On Day 3 of the Perth Test, he briefly achieved a remarkable feat—becoming the only bowler since Sydney Barnes to have an average below 20 after taking over 150 Test wickets. Although his average eventually rose slightly to 20.06, the milestone placed him in elite company.
Sydney Barnes, who played in the early 20th century, was known for his versatility on uncovered pitches. While Barnes innovated in his era, Bumrah’s unique combination of swing, seam, and unorthodox deliveries makes him a modern-day equivalent on covered pitches.
The Chase for Greatness
Bumrah’s current stats—159 Test wickets at an average of just over 20—are already extraordinary. Comparisons to legends like Malcolm Marshall (20.94), Joel Garner (20.97), and Curtly Ambrose (20.99) suggest that Bumrah is on the path to greatness. Among contemporary bowlers, Kagiso Rabada (21.49) and Pat Cummins (22.85) are closest to his level, making their rivalry a fascinating subplot in world cricket.
Time for a New Metric
As cricket evolves, it’s time for the ICC to reconsider its ranking system to better reflect a player’s influence and consistency across formats. Bumrah’s ability to single-handedly change matches, no matter the conditions or opposition, deserves recognition that goes beyond numbers on a chart.
Regardless of the rankings, Bumrah’s status as a generational talent is undeniable. Fans and critics already know what the ICC rankings fail to convey: Jasprit Bumrah is, without question, their No. 1.
