In a historic feat that cements his legacy among India’s greatest fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah has surpassed the legendary Kapil Dev’s record for the most five-wicket hauls in overseas Tests by an Indian bowler. Bumrah achieved this milestone during the ongoing series against England, showcasing once again why he is regarded as the spearhead of India’s pace attack across formats.
Breaking Kapil Dev’s Long-Standing Record
Bumrah’s latest five-wicket haul, his 9th in overseas Tests, came with a masterful exhibition of seam, swing, and reverse swing under challenging English conditions. He overtook Kapil Dev, who had held the record with 8 overseas five-wicket hauls for nearly three decades since his retirement in 1994.
Top Indian Bowlers With Most Overseas 5-Wicket Hauls (Tests)
| Bowler | 5WI Overseas | Matches | Career Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 9 | 36 | 2018 – Present |
| Kapil Dev | 8 | 66 | 1978 – 1994 |
| Anil Kumble | 7 | 54 | 1990 – 2008 |
| Ishant Sharma | 6 | 61 | 2007 – 2021 |
| Mohammed Shami | 6 | 38 | 2013 – Present |
(Data excludes home matches and considers only away 5-wicket hauls in Tests.)
Bumrah’s Remarkable Test Journey So Far
Since making his Test debut in January 2018 against South Africa in Cape Town, Bumrah has redefined India’s fast bowling narrative, especially abroad. His unorthodox action, skiddy pace, immaculate seam presentation, and ability to bowl yorkers and bouncers with equal precision have made him one of the most feared pacers in world cricket.
Key Career Test Stats (As Of July 2025)
- Matches: 36
- Wickets: 168
- Average: 21.4
- Strike Rate: 47.6
- 5WI: 10 (9 overseas)
Bumrah’s Overseas 5-Wicket Hauls: A Chronological Look
| Opponent | Venue | Figures | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Johannesburg | 5/54 | 2018 |
| England | Nottingham | 5/85 | 2018 |
| Australia | Melbourne | 6/33 | 2018 |
| West Indies | North Sound | 5/7 | 2019 |
| South Africa | Cape Town | 5/42 | 2022 |
| England | Birmingham | 5/64 | 2022 |
| South Africa | Centurion | 5/39 | 2024 |
| Australia | Perth | 5/56 | 2024 |
| England | Lord’s | 5/49 | 2025 |
His overseas record underlines his adaptability and consistent match-winning abilities across continents.
What Makes Bumrah Exceptional Abroad
- Natural Seam & Swing: Uses seam movement effectively even with the Kookaburra and Dukes balls.
- Reverse Swing Skills: Devastating with the old ball in subcontinental or abrasive conditions.
- Skiddy Action: Troubles batters with pace that rushes them due to a short loading action.
- Mental Toughness: Ability to deliver breakthroughs under pressure, often as the leader of the attack.
Reactions From The Cricketing World
Kapil Dev (Former India Captain & World Cup Winner)
“Records are meant to be broken. Bumrah is a phenomenal talent. His discipline, variations, and focus make him a generational fast bowler. I am proud that an Indian pacer is dominating world cricket today.”
Sunil Gavaskar (Former India Opener & Commentator)
“Bumrah’s away record is extraordinary. He has mastered the art of bowling in all conditions – England, South Africa, Australia, West Indies. This record speaks volumes of his adaptability.”
Ricky Ponting (Former Australia Captain)
“Bumrah is the most complete fast bowler in the world right now. His control, pace, and yorkers make him lethal, especially overseas.”
Bumrah’s Role In Transforming India’s Pace Legacy
Before the emergence of Bumrah, India’s overseas bowling was heavily reliant on spinners, with sporadic fast bowling brilliance from Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, and Zaheer Khan. The arrival of Bumrah, alongside Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and now Mohammed Siraj, has revolutionised India’s away record in Tests.
India’s Key Overseas Test Series Wins With Bumrah
- 2018: Australia (2-1) – Bumrah: 21 wickets
- 2021: Australia (2-1) – Injury limited participation but crucial in Adelaide
- 2021: England (2-1 lead before series conclusion postponed)
- 2024: South Africa (1-1) – Player of the Match at Centurion
Comparing Bumrah With Other Modern Fast Bowling Greats
| Bowler | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5WI Overseas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | 58 | 260 | 22.2 | 6 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 62 | 280 | 22.9 | 7 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 36 | 168 | 21.4 | 9 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 29 | 122 | 25.3 | 4 |
Bumrah’s overseas five-wicket haul count is the highest among modern pacers relative to matches played, highlighting his impact per Test.
What Lies Ahead For Bumrah
At 31, Bumrah is at the peak of his fast bowling career. Fitness management remains key, given his history of back injuries. India’s upcoming overseas tours to New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia over the next two years present opportunities for him to extend this record further and consolidate his status among the greatest fast bowlers of his era.
Expert Views On Bumrah’s Legacy
Zaheer Khan (Former India Fast Bowler):
“Bumrah has taken Indian fast bowling to a different level. His ability to adapt and outthink batters abroad is what sets him apart.”
Glenn McGrath (Legendary Australia Pacer):
“He is a thinking bowler with pace, reverse swing, and accuracy – a lethal combination. His consistency overseas is remarkable.”
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking ninth overseas five-wicket haul not only surpasses Kapil Dev but also symbolises India’s evolution into a pace powerhouse capable of winning Tests anywhere in the world. As fans and cricket experts celebrate his milestone, his journey continues to inspire India’s next generation of fast bowlers to aim higher and carry forward the legacy of pace excellence on the global stage.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on match data, player statistics, and public commentary. It does not constitute betting or gaming advice. Readers are encouraged to follow official match updates and rely on certified sources for fantasy or sporting decisions.
