The stage is set for Jasprit Bumrah to etch his name in Indian cricket folklore. One wicket away from 500 internationals, the death-over maestro has a golden opportunity in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England on March 5.
Across 234 games since 2013, Bumrah’s 499 wickets come at a miserly 20.6 average, highlighted by his 6/19 demolition of England in 2012. His format-wise haul: 234 Test wickets (52 matches), 149 ODIs (89), 116 T20Is (93).
Only seven compatriots have reached this landmark: Kumble’s monumental 956 (403 matches, 30.09 avg), Ashwin’s 765 (287, 25.8), Harbhajan’s 711 (367), Kapil’s 687 (356, with 1983 glory), Jadeja’s 634 (373), Zaheer’s 610 (309), Srinath’s 551 (296).
As India battles for a final berth, Bumrah’s fiery pace and cunning slower balls could decide the contest. Securing his 500th against a familiar foe would be poetic, underscoring his rise as India’s bowling talisman in the modern era.