Virat Kohli or Jasprit Bumrah? Neeraj Chopra picks Team India’s best bet in Javelin throw

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has recently named an Indian cricketer who could excel in javelin throw, and his choice was not surprising at all, as he picked the premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Recently, Navjot Singh Sidhu asked Neeraj Chopra to pick a player who could succeed in the javelin throw sport during a special segment on Star Sports.

India’s golden boy has straightly named Jasprit Bumrah, who could have a successful career in the javelin throw. He further explained that fast bowlers already have the strength, body coordination, and technique that javelin throwing requires.

Neeraj Chopra backs Jasprit Bumrah to shine in Javelin Throw

So, Chopra felt a fit and strong Bumrah would be the ideal pick to take up javelin throw if he weren’t a cricketer. Neeraj Chopra told Navjot Singh Sidhu on Star Sports, “I think it would be a fast bowler for sure. So, I think a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be good at it.”

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India's Golden Boy @Neeraj_chopra1 spills the beans!

Who in the Indian cricket team does he think could dominate the javelin throw? 💪

Any guesses before we reveal the name? 👀

𝙉𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙟 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙖 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙘 javelin throw event on July 5, Sat, 7:00 PM, only on Star… pic.twitter.com/qaaiy61CHJ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 27, 2025

Notably, Bumrah was recently in action in the first Test match against England at Headingley. He delivered a stunning performance in the first innings, claiming his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. However, in the second innings, Bumrah couldn’t pick up a wicket as England pulled off a stunning chase of 371 runs.

Read Also: India playing XI for 2nd Test vs England locked; 3 changes made

Ben Duckett led the charge with a brilliant 149, guiding England to one of the highest successful fourth-innings chases in Test history. With a five-wicket win over India, England is currently leading the ongoing five-match Test series by a 1-0 margin, with the second Test scheduled in Birmingham from July 2.

When Dinesh Karthik tried his hand at Javelin throw

Interestingly, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and commentator Dinesh Karthik has already given javelin throw a shot under the watchful eyes of Olympic champion Chopra.

During the 2024 episode of Jio Cinema’s ‘Get Set Gold’ show, Neeraj challenged Karthik to throw the javelin at least 25 meters. Karthik didn’t get it right on his first try, but with a little guidance and determination, the former cricketer nailed the target on his second attempt.

Dinesh Karthik, the Javelin thrower 😎😎😎#Olympics #ParisOlympics2024 #IPL2024 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7nU3I8Imk3

— Dinesh Karthik Fan Club (@DKFANFOREVER) May 28, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah's heavy workload exposes India's backup weakness

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s bowling workhorse, and the numbers say it all. Since the start of 2024, Bumrah has taken 78 wickets in just 15 Test matches, more than any other fast bowler in the world during this period. But the most concerning thing is that the Indian fast bowler has bowled a massive 410.4 overs, the highest for any pacer across the world.

Read Also: Shubman Gill's bad condition brought to light, senior India players not taking him seriously

Australia’s Mitchell Starc is next, but he’s way behind with 362.3 overs. England’s rising pacer Gus Atkinson has taken 54 wickets in the same period, but he has bowled only 328 overs, nearly 80 less than Bumrah. Among Indians, only Ravindra Jadeja has crossed the 400-over mark (400.1).

Mohammed Siraj, who has played the same number of matches as Bumrah, has bowled 355.3 overs. With Bumrah likely to be rested for workload management, Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack at Edgbaston. However, his performance at Headingley wasn’t impressive.

Here are the fast bowlers who bowled most overs in Tests (since start of 2024):

Jasprit Bumrah - 410.4 (78 wickets)

Mitchell Starc - 362.3 (48 wickets)

Pat Cummins - 359.1 (51 wickets)

Mohammed Siraj - 355.3 (41 wickets)

Gus Atkinson - 328 (55 wickets)