Jasprit Bumrah becomes No. 1 Test bowler; overtakes his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin

On Wednesday, October 2, India's lethal pacer Jasprit Bumrah, overtook spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as the world's best Test bowler. After his outstanding performance in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Bumrah moved up one position in the rankings. 

In two Test matches, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 49 overs and claimed 11 wickets, sharing the most with Ashwin. Even then, Bumrah's bowling average of just 12.82 was far higher than that of the seasoned Indian spinner. In the India vs. Bangladesh Test match in Kanpur, Jasprit Bumrah performed admirably, taking six wickets for just 67 runs in both innings. Every time his side needed him, he delivered the wickets at critical moments. 

When India and England were playing Test cricket in February 2024, Jasprit Bumrah had already taken the number one slot when Ravichandran Ashwin was replaced. Bumrah had risen three spots to take the top spot back then. He was acclaimed as the best Test bowler, becoming the first pacer from India to hold that title. On the historical Test bowlers' chart, Bumrah was the top-ranked Indian pacer prior to Kapil Dev. From December 1979 to February 1980, the previous captain of India was ranked second. In addition to Bumrah, Zaheer Khan held the third position from October to November of 2010.

Jasprit Bumrah will play key role in upcoming test matches

Ravichandra Ashwin had an excellent run with the ball himself. In the two-match series against Bangladesh, the spinner claimed 11 wickets and amassed a century. With India slated to face New Zealand at home and Australia away in the coming months, Ashwin, who is just one point behind Bumrah in the Test bowlers' rankings, could provide the pacer with a fierce rivalry.

When India plays New Zealand in a three-match Test series beginning on October 16, the fast bowler will aim to continue playing at his present caliber. In addition, he will play a major role in the match against Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy beginning on November 22.