Australia claimed the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a decisive 3-1 series win, but Jasprit Bumrah emerged as a relentless force for India. The star pacer was a consistent threat, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 32 scalps in nine innings. Time and again, Bumrah single-handedly kept India in contention, delivering stellar performances even in challenging conditions.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja, reflecting on the series, acknowledged Bumrah’s brilliance and drew comparisons between the bowler’s current form and his performances in 2018. Khawaja, who managed just 33 runs off 112 balls from Bumrah while falling to him six times, admitted the Indian pacer’s dominance.
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“I was just getting Bumrah’d. It was tough work. Facing him with the new ball every time was a nightmare,” Usman Khawaja said in an interview with ABC Sport. “You never want to see anyone injured, but when he wasn’t on the field, we felt like we had a chance. He’s the toughest bowler I’ve ever faced. I played him in 2018, and he was good back then, but this year, he’s been something else entirely. He’s got his tail up, and it’s showing.”
Khawaja elaborated on what sets Bumrah apart, emphasizing his evolution as a bowler. “The wickets have suited him, but he’s also six years wiser. He knows his skills inside out, and he tailors his plans to each batter. Most bowlers, no matter how good, give you something to work with, but Bumrah? Nothing. There’s no release, no scoring opportunity. He’s just so hard to face,” he added.
Praising Jasprit Bumrah’s tactical acumen, Usman Khawaja highlighted how the pacer’s precision and adaptability made him stand out from the rest of India’s bowling unit.
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“He’s matured into a complete bowler. Facing him is a relentless grind, and honestly, I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with him again,” Usman Khawaja concluded. While Australia lifted the trophy, Bumrah’s stellar performance was a silver lining for India, reaffirming his status as one of the most formidable bowlers in world cricket.
