Not Shubman Gill or Virat Kohli! Sachin Tendulkar hails 31-year-old BGT star as ‘best in the world’

New Delhi: It was unfortunate that Jasprit Bumrah was unable to bowl on the final day of the Sydney Test against Australia due to a back injury. Australia comfortably chased down the target of 162, securing a six-wicket victory and clinching the series 3-1. Bumrah had an outstanding series, arguably one of the finest in history, where he played a pivotal role in keeping India’s hopes alive. He claimed 32 wickets, topping the charts for the most wickets. Had Bumrah been available on a pitch that favoured fast bowlers, the outcome could have been different.

Meanwhile, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar praised Bumrah’s extraordinary performance, calling him the ‘best in the world’. Tendulkar took to X to congratulate Australia for winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but made sure to acknowledge Bumrah’s remarkable effort.

“Commendable performance by Australia to come back from 0-1 down and win the series 3-1. Congratulations to them for winning the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Special mention to @Jaspritbumrah93. “Jas” is just the best in the world,” wrote Tendulkar on X

Commendable performance by Australia to come back from 0-1 down and win the series 3-1. Congratulations to them for winning the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Special mention to @Jaspritbumrah93.
“Jas” is just the best in the world!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/K2pSQZOkVQ

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 5, 2025

Bumrah’s injury has raised concerns among fans, especially with the crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching. India’s chances of securing the title heavily rely on Bumrah’s fitness. Additionally, a five-match Test series against England is on the horizon, and India cannot afford to be without their star bowler for such a key series.

Bumrah explained that he experienced some back discomfort during the first innings, which led to his decision not to bowl in the second innings. He admitted it was frustrating to miss out on bowling on a pitch with so much bounce, but emphasized that sometimes a player cannot control their body’s limits.

“Little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body, you can’t fight your body. Disappointing, probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series. Felt a bit of discomfort during my second spell in the first innings,” Bumrah told the broadcaster.