Not Virat Kohli! Neeraj Chopra Picks Mumbai Indians Star As One India Cricketer Who Can Excel In Javelin

India's javelin icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra recently made an interesting revelation when asked which Indian cricketer he felt could shine in the sport of javelin throw.

While many might have expected him to name a big-hitting batter like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, Chopra's choice came from the bowling department - Jasprit Bumrah.

Speaking during a special segment on Star Sports hosted by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chopra confidently backed the Mumbai Indians fast bowler to thrive in the discipline of javelin. "I think it would be a fast bowler for sure. So, I think a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be good at it," Chopra said.

Explaining his pick, Chopra noted that fast bowlers naturally possess the strength, body coordination, and technical mechanics that javelin throwers require. He added that Bumrah's athletic build and explosive action make him a perfect candidate, had he chosen to pursue a different sporting path.

Bumrah, who recently led India's pace attack in the opening Test against England at Headingley, was impressive in the first innings, claiming his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. However, in the second innings, he went wicketless as England mounted a historic chase of 371, powered by a spectacular 149-run knock from Ben Duckett. The result gave England a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series, with the second Test set to take place at Edgbaston from July 2.

The 30-year-old pacer has been a cornerstone of India's bowling unit. Since the start of 2024, Bumrah has bagged 78 wickets across 15 Test matches - the highest tally for any fast bowler in the world during this time. But this incredible output has also come at a cost. He has bowled a staggering 410.4 overs, more than any other pacer globally. Australia's Mitchell Starc ranks second with 362.3 overs, while England's Gus Atkinson, who has claimed 54 wickets, has bowled just 328 overs in the same period.

Among Indian bowlers, only all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has clocked over 400 overs (400.1) alongside Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj, who has featured in as many matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs. With concerns mounting over Bumrah's workload, the team management is reportedly planning to rest him for the second Test, potentially handing over the leadership of the pace attack to Siraj.

However, Siraj's outing at Headingley wasn't particularly impactful, and India will be hoping he steps up when the teams clash again at Edgbaston.