Comparisons between players from different eras in the cricketing realm often lead to passionate debates among fans and analysts alike. Recently, this topic came up again jasprit bumrah‘s extraordinary performance Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025-25 against Australia leading many to draw parallels with the cricket legend Kapil Dev.
Bumrah’s 32 wickets at an astonishing average of 13.06 not only secured him the title of highest wicket-taker in Tests Down Under, but also sparked debate about his place in the pantheon of Indian cricketing greats. But Kapil, the iconic captain India‘s 1983 World Cup-winning team flatly rejected these comparisons, stressing the futility of pitting players from different generations against each other.
Kapil Dev shuts down the debate terming it as a generational divide
Kapil’s claim stems from a deep understanding of the evolution of cricket over the decades. “Don’t compare (me with Bumrah); you cannot compare one generation to another. Today’s boys are scoring 300 runs in a day, which was not the case in our time. So don’t compare” categorically stated during the media event.
He explained how modern players can achieve feats unimaginable in his playing days, such as scoring 300 runs in a day – a stark contrast to the more conservative scoring rates of the past. This statement highlights a critical point: cricket is not just a numbers game; it is also a reflection of the context in which those figures were obtained.
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The burden of expectations on Jasprit Bumrah
The pressure on modern-day players like Bumrah is immense, especially as their performances are often scrutinized against historical benchmarks set by legends like Kapil. Bumrah’s recent series performance has put him in the limelight, which comes with both praise and expectation. Kapil’s warning is a reminder that such comparisons can be harmful, potentially overshadowing individual achievements and contributions to the game.
The future of Indian cricket stars
Apart from addressing comparisons with Kapil Bumrah, he also touched upon the future of other stalwarts. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players have faced criticism for their poor performances in Australia, raising questions about their future in Test cricket. Kohli managed just 190 runs in five matches, while Rohit struggled more, averaging just 6.20 in three Tests.
Asked about his potential return to domestic cricket to rejuvenate his career, Kapil refrained from commenting directly, stating that it is up to the players who feel it is time to step back.
“They are great players. Let’s hope that when they think the time is right to play… they’ll cancel it”, he concluded, stressing that he respects their autonomy in making such important career decisions.
