Veteran England pacer Stuart Broad has heaped massive praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the best bowler in the world at present. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated Test series between England and India, Broad didn’t mince words when describing the impact Bumrah has had across formats in recent years. His comments come as recognition not just of Bumrah’s unique skillset, but also his ability to perform under pressure in varied conditions around the world.
“There’s no doubt in my mind he’s the best bowler in the world at the moment. He showed that in Australia. He’s going to be pretty dangerous in these conditions,” Broad said, referring to India’s historic 2020-21 series win Down Under, where Bumrah played a pivotal role in unsettling the Australian batting line-up on their home turf.
Coming from someone of Broad’s stature — a bowler with over 600 Test wickets and decades of experience — such words carry immense weight. The respect that Bumrah has earned across teams and continents is a testament to his consistency, control, and creativity with the ball. His unorthodox action, deadly yorkers, clever slower balls, and unmatched ability to hit awkward lengths make him a rare challenge for any batter.
Bumrah’s rise hasn’t been a traditional one. Unlike many Indian pacers who emerged through domestic red-ball cricket, Bumrah burst onto the scene through T20 leagues. Critics initially questioned whether he could translate his white-ball success into the longer format. Not only did he prove them wrong, but he also became India’s pace spearhead in Test cricket, playing a central role in overseas series victories in Australia, England, and South Africa.
His performances in Australia in particular left a lasting impression. Bumrah’s spells in Melbourne and Sydney during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy were instrumental in India’s comeback after a humiliating 36-all-out in Adelaide. He dismissed the likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head with balls that combined venom with precision. For Broad to reference that series highlights the impact it had on the global cricketing community.
Now, with a five-Test series between England and India on the horizon, Bumrah’s presence looms large. Conditions in England are known to favor swing and seam, but Bumrah’s ability to adapt and exploit even the slightest lateral movement makes him a real threat. Moreover, his fitness and workload have been carefully managed by India’s think tank, keeping him fresh for the crucial battles ahead.
Broad’s acknowledgment also underscores the mutual respect among fast bowlers. Despite being fierce competitors, bowlers like Broad, James Anderson, and Pat Cummins have all spoken highly of Bumrah in recent years. It’s a fraternity that understands the physical and mental toll the job demands — and excellence, when seen, is always appreciated.
As India prepare for their opening Test, the spotlight on Bumrah is only growing brighter. With a full-strength attack around him, including Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, Bumrah won’t be carrying the load alone — but make no mistake, he’ll be the one everyone is watching.
For India, that’s not pressure. That’s firepower. And if Stuart Broad’s words are anything to go by, Jasprit Bumrah is about to set the stage ablaze once more.
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