India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has regained the No.1 ranking in Test cricket, replacing fellow countryman R Ashwin. Bumrah’s return to the top came after a stellar performance in the recent Test series against Bangladesh, where he took 11 wickets across two matches.
On Wednesday, October 2, Bumrah secured his place as the world’s top-ranked Test bowler following an outstanding display against Bangladesh. He bowled 49 overs in the series, claiming 11 wickets, which was tied with Ashwin for the most in the series. However, Bumrah’s bowling average of 12.82 gave him the edge over the veteran spinner.
This recent achievement marks yet another high point in Bumrah’s career, as he continues to be a dominant force in India’s bowling attack. His ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances has set him apart from his peers.
Bumrah first claimed the top spot in February 2024 during the India vs England Test series, when he similarly overtook Ashwin. That moment was historic as Bumrah became the first-ever India pacer to be ranked No.1 in Test cricket. Previously, Kapil Dev had been India’s highest-ranked fast bowler, holding the second spot between December 1979 and February 1980. Zaheer Khan also came close, reaching No.3 in October-November 2010.
Bumrah’s return to the summit underscores his remarkable consistency and skill, qualities that have made him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket today.
Despite losing the top spot, R Ashwin’s series against Bangladesh was far from disappointing. The off-spinner matched Bumrah’s wicket tally of 11 and also contributed with the bat by scoring a century. Ashwin remains a close second in the rankings, just one point behind Bumrah, indicating that the competition between the two Indian stars is far from over.
With India set to play New Zealand at home and later tour Australia, Ashwin is expected to challenge Bumrah for the top position in the coming months.
