RP Singh Hails Jasprit Bumrah as the Century’s Best Seamer Despite Lack of Awards Recognition

Former Indian pacer RP Singh has praised Jasprit Bumrah as this century’s best seamer, despite acknowledging that Bumrah’s career statistics may not fully reflect his impact. Singh, speaking during a discussion on Colors Cineplex, emphasized that Bumrah’s influence on matches far outweighs the number of Player of the Match or Series awards he has received. 

Bumrah played a pivotal role in India’s seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur on October 1, helping the team secure a 2-0 series sweep. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal was named Player of the Match for his twin half-centuries, and Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the Player of the Series award, RP Singh believes Bumrah’s contributions were crucial to India’s success.

Singh was asked whether Bumrah might feel disheartened for not being recognized with more individual awards. The former pacer responded confidently, saying:  

“I don’t think it would be in his mind because he knows his value and impact, the sort of player he is. Without him, it’s very difficult for any captain to get such a grasp on the match, especially in Indian conditions.”

Bumrah was instrumental in wrapping up Bangladesh’s second innings, taking three key wickets—Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Mushfiqur Rahim—ensuring India sealed the victory. Singh credited Bumrah’s ability to deliver in any situation, adding:

“If we see his impact after 15 to 20 years, his numbers might not be that big, but I feel he is this century’s best medium pacer. Get him to bowl in any condition, at any stage, and in any format, he gives his captain a wicket.”

Bumrah’s ability to perform under pressure has made him invaluable to the Indian team. In the Kanpur Test, he took six wickets across both innings and finished the series as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 11 dismissals, alongside Ashwin.

When asked to pick the standout performer of the series, RP Singh chose Bumrah, citing his knack for picking up wickets at crucial moments:

“Jasprit Bumrah, because he picked up wickets at crucial times. He used so many variations. When we were standing at the fifth day’s play today… he picked up wickets despite the conditions not being conducive for pace.”

Singh emphasized Bumrah’s game-changing abilities, noting his adaptability across formats and surfaces:

“This player is extremely special. He has the game plan irrespective of the surface and the ability to give his captain a wicket on any surface and at any time, which always helps in changing the game.”

Despite Bumrah’s significant impact, Ashwin’s all-round performances, including a match-winning century in the first Test in Chennai, helped him clinch the Player of the Series award. Nonetheless, RP Singh remains confident that Bumrah’s legacy as one of the greatest seamers of this era is already cemented.