Fast bowling in cricket is an art, and only a few truly master it. Former South African speedster Dale Steyn, one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, recently lavished praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him “gold” and highlighting what makes him stand out in modern cricket.
In contrast, Steyn expressed his frustration with several international pacers who fail to adapt, claiming that their inability to adjust their field placements makes him pull his hair out! Interestingly, former New Zealand pacer and renowned bowling coach Shane Bond shares the same opinion about Bumrah’s brilliance.
Steyn’s Take: Why Bumrah and Rabada Are the Gold Standard of Fast Bowling
In a recent discussion, Dale Steyn emphasized that Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada are the ultimate benchmarks for fast bowlers today. He pointed out that these two don’t just rely on raw pace but possess intelligence, adaptability, and an ability to turn games around at any moment.
Steyn was particularly critical of pacers who, despite having years of international experience, fail to adjust their field settings or vary their deliveries. He revealed that it frustrates him to see bowlers continue bowling in the same way without anticipating the next move.
He noted:
“Some bowlers run in and bowl six deliveries without making a single change in the field, despite being in the game for over a decade. It’s frustrating to watch because they don’t seem to anticipate what’s about to happen.”
But when it comes to Jasprit Bumrah, Steyn had nothing but admiration:
“Bumrah is gold. He knows exactly when to strike, how to shift momentum, and is a match-winner in any situation. We need more bowlers like him and Rabada.”
Shane Bond Echoes the Same Sentiment
Former Kiwi pacer Shane Bond, who has worked closely with Bumrah during his time as Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach, agreed with Steyn’s assessment.
Bond pointed out that many international pacers lack awareness of their own game plans and often need captains to guide them with precise field placements and strategies.
However, Bumrah is different—he combines:
- Skill & variety
- Rigorous preparation
- Meticulous study of batsmen
- Impeccable instincts
Bond further stated that these qualities make Bumrah the best bowler in the world today, a rare gem in modern cricket.
IPL 2025: How Will Bumrah & Rabada Impact the Season?
As IPL 2025 approaches, both Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada will have huge roles to play.
- Bumrah is reportedly set to miss the initial matches for Mumbai Indians due to workload management. His absence could be a major blow for MI early in the season.
- Rabada, on the other hand, will be a key player for Gujarat Titans, adding firepower to their bowling attack.
Both players continue to set high standards for fast bowling, proving that it takes more than just pace to dominate in today’s game.
What do you think? Is Bumrah the greatest fast bowler of this generation? Let us know in the comments!
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