NEW DELHI: India's premier pacer
Jasprit Bumrah
delivered a cryptic message after emerging from an
injury-prone phase
to become the first Indian pacer ranked No. 1 in the
ICC Test rankings
.
Hours after achieving this milestone, Bumrah took to Instagram to express his disappointment at the discourse surrounding him during his injury struggles.
Before his back injury hiatus, Bumrah's stellar performance in July 2022, where he captained India against England and bagged the Player of the Series award with 23 wickets in 5 Tests, showcased his prowess.
However, subsequent injuries sidelined him from crucial events like the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Border Gavaskar Trophy, IPL, and the World Test Championship Final in 2023, leading to back surgery in March of that year.
Bumrah's determination and hard work paid off as he made a remarkable comeback, leading India in the 3-match T20I series against Ireland in August 2023, and later emerging as the fourth highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2024.
His stellar performances continued in whites during the 2-match Test series against South Africa, where he was named the Player of the Series, marking a memorable return to red ball cricket after a 17-month hiatus.
Bumrah's ascent to the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings is credited to his outstanding performance in the second Test against England in Vizag, where he claimed match figures of 9/91, earning him the Player of the Match award.
This achievement sees him surpass his teammate
Ravichandran Ashwin
to claim the No. 1 spot, making him the first fast bowler from India to achieve this feat.
Despite facing criticism and doubts during his injury phase, Bumrah's resilience and determination have solidified his position as one of the best in the world.
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