Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Spots Javelin Potential in Cricket Star Jasprit Bumrah

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic champion in javelin, has identified Jasprit Bumrah, a prominent fast bowler for the Indian cricket team, as someone who could potentially excel in javelin throwing. Chopra shared his insights during a special segment on Star Sports, hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Neeraj Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah has the physical attributes for javelin.

Chopra's assessment stems from the physical attributes and techniques inherent in fast bowlers. He specifically highlighted Bumrah's fitness and strength as crucial factors that would translate well to javelin throwing, had Bumrah not already established himself in cricket.

"I think it would be a fast bowler for sure. So, I think a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be good at it," Chopra stated on Star Sports.

Bumrah's recent cricketing performances underscore his physical capabilities. In the first Test match against England, he achieved his 14th five-wicket haul in the first innings.

England ultimately won the match, chasing down a target of 371 runs, with Ben Duckett scoring 149. This victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Bumrah's statistics in 2024 highlight his effectiveness, having taken 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, making him the leading fast bowler globally during this period. His workload has been substantial, bowling 410.4 overs, the most among all pace bowlers worldwide.

Due to workload management, Bumrah is expected to be rested for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston. Siraj is likely to lead the pace attack, despite his performance in the Headingley Test. The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 2 in Birmingham.

This discussion about Bumrah's potential in javelin throwing emphasizes the crossover of athletic skills between cricket and track and field, particularly the shared physical demands of fast bowling and javelin.

The announcement was part of the promotion for the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event, scheduled for July 5, and to be broadcast on Star Sports.