India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, has reached a major milestone in his cricketing career, becoming the sixth Indian fast bowler to claim 400 international wickets. The landmark came during the second day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Bumrah achieved the feat by dismissing Bangladesh’s pacer, Hasan Mahmud, just before Tea on Day 2, caught by Virat Kohli at second slip. His 400th wicket marks yet another significant chapter in the remarkable career of one of India’s most successful and unique fast bowlers. Bumrah, renowned for his unorthodox bowling action, exceptional pace, and precision under pressure, has now cemented his place among the greatest Indian pacers of all time.
A Career Built on Versatility and Consistency
Since his debut in 2016, Jasprit Bumrah has been an indispensable part of India‘s bowling attack in all formats. Known for his deadly yorkers, Bumrah quickly established himself as a master of death bowling in limited-overs cricket, a skill India had long sought. His pinpoint accuracy, combined with his ability to move the ball both ways, made him a standout performer in ODIs and T20Is.
Bumrah’s meteoric rise saw him set numerous records along the way. He became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and also holds the record for the fastest Indian to take 50 wickets in T20 Internationals (T20Is). His performances in Test cricket, however, have been equally, if not more, impressive. Bumrah’s ability to reverse swing the old ball and extract bounce even on the flattest surfaces has made him a lethal force across the globe.
In fact, Bumrah’s Test average of 21.99, combined with his strike rate and ability to perform in overseas conditions, is considered one of the best among Indian fast bowlers. He was instrumental in India’s historic Test series victories in Australia (2018-19) and England (2021-22), where his relentless pace and unerring accuracy dismantled some of the best batting lineups in the world.
The 400-Wicket Club: A Legacy of Greatness
Bumrah’s achievement places him in an elite group of Indian fast bowlers who have crossed the 400-wicket milestone in international cricket. The other legendary Indian pacers who have reached this milestone before him include:
- Kapil Dev – 687 wickets
- Zaheer Khan – 597 wickets
- Javagal Srinath – 551 wickets
- Mohammed Shami – 448 wickets
- Ishant Sharma – 434 wickets
What sets Bumrah apart from his predecessors is his ability to dominate across formats. While Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan were known primarily for their prowess in Test cricket, Bumrah’s impact has been felt in T20Is, ODIs, and Tests alike. His 400 wickets are a testament to his versatility and consistency in both white-ball and red-ball formats, making him a truly modern-day great.
The Milestone Wicket: A Moment to Remember
The momentous wicket came in the second session of Day 2 in the ongoing Test match. With Bangladesh struggling at 142-8, Bumrah was brought back into the attack to clean up the tail. He bowled a full-length delivery that angled away from Hasan Mahmud, inducing an edge to Virat Kohli at second slip. Kohli, as sharp as ever, completed the catch, and Bumrah raised his arm in quiet celebration as the Indian team gathered around him to acknowledge the milestone.
Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Bumrah remained humble about his achievement. “It’s a special feeling to get to 400 wickets, but for me, it’s always been about contributing to the team’s success. Records are great, but I just want to keep improving and doing my job for the team,” Bumrah said.
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India in Command in Chennai
As for the match itself, India has taken complete control of the first Test against Bangladesh. Bumrah’s 400th wicket was just one of the highlights of a dominant bowling display by the Indian team. Earlier in the day, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin made quick work of Bangladesh’s top order, leaving the visitors reeling at 54-5.
Bangladesh found some resistance in the form of Litton Das, who fought valiantly with a gritty half-century, but regular breakthroughs kept India firmly on top. By the end of Day 2, Bangladesh was bundled out for 168, trailing India’s first-innings score of 410 by a massive 242 runs.
What’s Next for Bumrah and India?
With his 400th wicket in the bag, Jasprit Bumrah now looks forward to leading India’s bowling attack in the years to come. At just 30 years old, Bumrah is still in the prime of his career, and with his exceptional fitness levels and skillset, there is no doubt that he has many more records to break.
India, on the other hand, is well on course for a dominant victory in this Test match and will look to continue their momentum in the remaining games of the series. With Bumrah, Shami, and Ashwin firing on all cylinders, India’s bowling attack looks as formidable as ever, setting the stage for another memorable series win on home soil.
As Bumrah continues to scale new heights in his career, Indian cricket fans can rest assured that their team’s pace attack is in very capable hands. For now, all eyes are on how many more wickets the lethal fast bowler can add to his ever-growing tally.
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