London – TNT Sports pundit Steve Finn has sparked a debate on cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, asserting that India’s Jasprit Bumrah is “the best fast bowler there’s ever been.” This comes as India grapples with a significant injury blow ahead of the Champions Trophy, with Bumrah being ruled out due to a lower back injury.
Bumrah, 31, had been a standout performer for India in their recent Test series against Australia but sustained the injury during the tour. Unfortunately, he has not recovered in time to be included in India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Finn, describing the absence as “humongous,” highlighted the impact Bumrah’s injury will have on India’s chances in the tournament.
“It’s probably not hyperbole to suggest that he’s the best fast bowler there’s ever been,” Finn said. “That transcends across formats. His numbers are remarkable, not just the stats but his ability to create pivotal moments in crucial games.”
Bumrah’s form in 2024 earned him the ICC Cricketer of the Year award, thanks to his performances across all formats, including playing a key role in India’s T20 World Cup victory. He carried that momentum into 2025, finishing as the highest wicket-taker for India in their Test series against Australia, which India lost 3-1 despite Bumrah’s heroics.
Finn pointed to Bumrah’s pivotal performance in the T20 World Cup final, where he delivered a game-changing wicket of South Africa’s Marco Jansen at a critical moment. “He won that T20 World Cup for India,” Finn said, emphasizing Bumrah’s knack for delivering when the pressure is on. “He was the only bowler who carried the team in Australia, named player of the series on the losing side. He’s remarkable.”
Bumrah’s statistics are a testament to his consistency: an impressive Test bowling average of 19.4, 205 wickets from 45 games, and a T20 economy rate of 6.27. “It’s just silly stuff,” Finn added. “It’s pure fantasy for most bowlers, but he delivers every single time. So coming into a world tournament, he’s a humongous miss.”
Fellow TNT Sports pundit Matt Prior also praised Bumrah’s versatility across formats, stating, “Whether you’re in a losing position, give him the ball, he’ll get you back in the game. He can finish games off. His role flexibility, whether at the front, in the middle, or at the death, shows why he’s indispensable to India.”
India’s Champions Trophy campaign will take place entirely in Dubai, as they declined to travel to Pakistan, the host country for the rest of the tournament. India’s first match is against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by matches against Pakistan and New Zealand in Group A.
In light of Bumrah’s absence, Harshit Rana has been named as his replacement in the squad.
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