Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has praised Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting him as the best multi-format bowler in recent years. Despite a career-threatening injury that sidelined him for the 2022 T20 World Cup, Bumrah made a remarkable return and was named Man of the Tournament at the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA.
Ponting expressed his admiration in the ICC Review, stating, “There were concerns a couple of years ago about whether he would return to his former self after his injuries. But he’s come back even better.” He continued, “I’ve long believed that he has been the best multi-format bowler in world cricket over the past five or six years.”
Ponting noted that Bumrah's performance in the recent T20 World Cup showcased his unchanged pace and accuracy. “His skillset remains intact, and he continues to improve year-on-year. With such skill and consistency, he ranks among the greats,” Ponting added.
Ponting also emphasised that the true measure of a bowler's calibre is the opinion of the opposition. “When you talk to opposition batsmen about Bumrah, they often describe him as a nightmare. His unpredictability—whether it's swing, seam, or his in-swingers and out-swingers—is a significant challenge,” he said.
Comparing Bumrah to cricketing legends, Ponting noted, “Look at Glenn McGrath and James Anderson. Their longevity and ability to maintain their skills over time are what set them apart. Bumrah’s consistency and skill place him in that elite category.”