Bumrah is No. 1, but is Kohli done?

Jasprit Bumrah has got into the groove once again as a spearhead for India’s Test team. And he’s getting recognition for it too. As per the revised ICC Test Rankings for Bowlers, the speedster has reached the coveted top spot, edging out teammate Ravichandran Ashwin and South African seamer Kagiso Rabada. Bumrah’s surge to the No. 1 position isn’t surprising as it comes on the heels of his phenomenal 9-wicket haul to dismantle a formidable English batting line-up in the recently-concluded second Test. He now joins compatriot bowlers Bishen Bedi, Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to claim the Numero Uno position in Tests. It’s only February and it’s already proving to be a memorable year for the wily fast bowler. Lest we forget, he captured 6/61 against South Africa at Cape Town last month. 

Bumrah has accompanied his wonderful return to form with a covert dig at his critics on Instagram. The 30-year-old placed two photos on the social media platform: one of a lone man under the title “support” and the other of a full stadium bearing “congratulations”. His success at claiming scalps is attributed to his ability at disguising the ball’s trajectory on delivery and keeping his hapless victims guessing. Such a feature is the hallmark of all the great pacers in cricketing history. And with a total cache of 155 wickets from a mere 34 matches at a superb average of 20.2, Bumrah’s future looks rosy. However, adequate rest is crucial for longevity and so the selectors will allow Bumrah to warm the bench for the upcoming third Test against the Triple Lions.

Meanwhile, run-machine Virat Kolhi has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in Indian (BCCI) that he is opting out of the next Test encounter at Rakjot (Feb 15-19), as well as the following one in Ranchi (Feb 23-27). This jarring news comes weeks after Kohli announced his withdrawal from the first two Tests, disappointing fans in the stands at both Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Even his chances of joining his team for the fifth and final test at Dharamsala on March 7 seem bleak. 

So, why is cricket on the backburner for the prolific batsman? Well, according to a Youtube video by former foe and current buddy A. B. de Villiers, family has taken centre-stage in Virat’s life. Yes, he is awaiting a second child with bated breath, rendering all the possible support to pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. This is one man who knows how to play ball on any team. 

However, his die-hard supporters will be hoping that these long periods of absence will not adversely affect his career or invite calls for retirement. Class may be permanent but form is temporary and the 35-year-old will have to keep striking while the willow is hot. This is especially true with so many young and hungry batters waiting in the wings. After all, in the words of the cricketing great Navjot Singh Sidhu: “A career is like an aeroplane. If you stop, you drop!”