India’s Jasprit Bumrah has drawn level with Kapil Dev’s long-standing overseas record, delivering yet another five-wicket masterclass at Headingley. But with two days still to go, this first Test between India and England is far from settled.
Bumrah claimed 5 for 83 in England’s first innings, propelling him to 12 five-wicket hauls outside India in Test cricket — the same number as the great Kapil. The milestone came as India closed Day 3 on 90 for 2, holding a slim 96-run lead after England posted 465.
Bumrah wasn’t one for celebrations just yet. “The game is in the balance,” he said post-match. “We have to bat well. The wicket is a little bit two-paced.” For Bumrah, the job’s not done until the last wicket falls. That’s been his method, and it’s why India’s hopes rest squarely on his broad shoulders.
A Record That Speaks Volumes, Not Just Numbers
Bumrah’s performance in Leeds wasn’t just another fiver. It was symbolic. The man who made his Test debut at Cape Town in 2018 now sits alongside India’s most iconic fast bowler on an elite list.
Kapil Dev’s 12 five-fors abroad spanned nearly 16 years. Bumrah’s? Achieved in just over six.
That’s not a minor footnote.
• Bumrah has bowled in 34 Tests outside India
• His 12 five-wicket hauls have come in just 68 overseas innings
• Kapil Dev reached the same mark in 131 innings
The pace at which Bumrah has matched the feat puts into perspective just how uniquely lethal he’s been across continents — whether on the green tops of Lord’s, the bounce of Johannesburg, or the dry heat of Adelaide.
This is no ordinary stat. It’s a mirror of India’s modern pace evolution. Bumrah has been its face. He’s leaner than Kapil, quieter too. But once the ball’s in hand, he tears through line-ups like a hot knife through butter.
India’s Bowling: Consistent, But Under Pressure
Let’s be real — India didn’t bowl poorly. They were just faced with a determined English side that never truly let up.
Ben Duckett’s 117, combined with steady middle-order partnerships, kept England competitive. But despite the runs, England’s batting never felt dominant. India’s bowlers — particularly Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj — asked questions all day.
Mohammed Shami, returning after a long layoff, showed signs of rust early on but recovered well. Ravindra Jadeja was economical, though ineffective with wickets.
Yet, it was Bumrah, again, who made the big moments his own. Joe Root? Gone. Ben Stokes? Chopped on. He doesn’t roar much after a wicket, but his impact? Deafening.
It’s a table that’s likely to be re-written soon. The way Bumrah’s going, he could be out in front by a few more before this series wraps up.
Batting Will Decide This One
At 90 for 2, India are ahead — on the scoreboard, at least. But Headingley’s surface has started playing tricks. The ball is keeping low in patches and there’s uneven bounce outside off-stump. That’s enough to keep every batter guessing.
Yashasvi Jaiswal looked promising again, timing the ball beautifully before falling for 38. Rohit Sharma showed glimpses of form, finally getting a few away on the leg side. But the key lies in India’s middle order.
Virat Kohli is still at the crease. So is Shubman Gill. If those two can stretch the lead beyond 250, England will be in a corner. But that’s a big “if” on this wicket.
One thing’s for sure: there’s no room for soft dismissals now. Every run counts. Every session matters.
And India knows it.
Bumrah’s Magic Isn’t Just About Wickets
What makes Bumrah so effective isn’t just his ability to take wickets — it’s how he does it.
He doesn’t have raw express pace like a Mark Wood. Nor does he rely heavily on extravagant swing. Instead, he uses angles, subtle movements, and that stuttering run-up that disguises venom.
He’s one of the few fast bowlers who can attack both edges. That’s rare. Ask Zak Crawley — squared up and edged to second slip. Ask Ollie Pope — pinned plumb with a ball that came back just enough. Ask Jonny Bairstow — hurried by a short ball that didn’t seem to be there.
And the scary bit? He’s still learning.
Kapil Dev Congratulates, Twitter Buzzes
Soon after Bumrah’s milestone made headlines, social media lit up. Kapil Dev’s official fan page posted a congratulatory message. “Records are made to be broken. Jasprit Bumrah — take a bow.”
Cricket fans were quick to echo the sentiment. Some drew parallels. Others just stood in awe of how India’s fast-bowling stocks have evolved.
But the most-liked comment? “Kapil did it as a lone wolf. Bumrah’s doing it with a pack.” That’s where the difference lies.
Yet it also reminds us: the standard is higher now, and Bumrah is meeting it head-on.
A Two-Day Scrap Awaits
This Test is set up for a cracking finish. India leads by 96 runs with two full days left. The bowlers have done their bit. The batters are halfway through theirs.
England’s attack — featuring James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Jack Leach — will fancy a run-chase under 250. But if Bumrah fires again in the second innings, who knows?
You can’t predict Headingley. Not after what happened in 2019.
But here’s what we do know — Jasprit Bumrah isn’t done. Not even close.
