Team India skipper Shubman Gill once again led from the front during the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, October 11. On Day 2, the right-handed batter crafted an unbeaten 129 off 196 deliveries, featuring 16 boundaries and two sixes, helping India declare their first innings at 518/5. This marked Gill’s 10th Test century, his first against the Windies, and his fifth on home soil.

The 26-year-old has been in sensational form with the bat, carrying forward his overseas momentum from the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he scored 754 runs in 10 innings, including a double hundred and three centuries. His consistency at the No. 4 position has made him indispensable for India in the middle order.

With five Test centuries in a single calendar year as captain, Gill has equalled former India captain Virat Kohli’s record, further cementing his status as one of the premier batters in the world and a leader who leads by example.

See Also: BCCI seeks ICC action against Mohsin Naqvi, pushes for removal from board

Five iconic Indian batters with fewer Test centuries than Shubman Gill:

This article highlights five well-known former Indian batters who have fewer Test centuries than Shubman Gill. The list includes current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, ex-captain MS Dhoni, and Navjot Singh Sidhu, showcasing how Gill’s consistency has placed him ahead of some iconic names in Indian cricket history.

• Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, the iconic World Cup-winning captain, remains one of India’s finest Test all-rounders. Representing the national side from 1979 to 1993, he scored 5,248 runs in 131 Tests, registering eight centuries. His maiden Test hundred came against a strong West Indies side on their home turf in 1979.

Over his career, Kapil also recorded memorable centuries in England and South Africa. Much like MS Dhoni, he often batted lower down the order, limiting his chances to build big scores. Despite this, he contributed significantly, scoring 2,861 runs and five tons at No. 7 and 1,777 runs with two centuries at No. 8, showcasing his ability to rescue India from tough situations.

• MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, India’s former captain, is best remembered for his white-ball brilliance but also had a notable Test career, featuring in 90 matches. He registered his maiden Test century with a brilliant 148 against Pakistan in 2006, followed by two more tons in 2009 and one each in 2010 and 2011. His highest Test score came in 2013 — a commanding 224 against Australia at home.

Dhoni announced his unexpected retirement from Tests during the 2014–15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He finished with 4,876 runs, including six centuries. Often batting at No. 7 alongside tail-enders, Dhoni had limited opportunities to play long innings, yet his resilience and counterattacking ability made him one of India’s most dependable lower-order batters.

• Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir emerged as one of India’s most promising openers after making his Test debut in 2004. He scored his maiden Test hundred against Bangladesh in just his fifth match. Though his next century came four years later, Gambhir roared back in 2008 with three centuries and over 1,000 runs in the calendar year, reaffirming his class at the top.

In 2009, the Delhi batter maintained his form, amassing 727 runs, including four centuries. However, after his 116 against Bangladesh in 2010, he struggled to convert starts into hundreds and went century-less until his final Test in 2016. Across 54 matches, Gambhir accumulated 4,154 runs at an average of 41.95, with nine centuries to his name.

• Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan made an unforgettable entry into Test cricket, smashing 187 runs on debut against Australia. Known for his attacking style, the left-hander often turned his starts into big scores, producing memorable knocks like 173 against Bangladesh and 190 versus Sri Lanka. His fearless approach and ability to dominate bowlers made him a delight to watch in the longer format.

However, Dhawan’s inconsistency kept him from cementing a regular spot in the Test lineup. His final Test century came against Afghanistan in 2018. Despite limited opportunities, the Delhi batter featured in 34 matches, accumulating 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven centuries—cementing his reputation as one of India’s most dynamic openers.

• Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu, now a well-known commentator, enjoyed a long and eventful Test career for India between 1983 and 1999. Much like Gautam Gambhir, the flamboyant opener registered nine Test centuries. It took him five years to notch up his maiden ton, scoring 116 against New Zealand, before marking his first overseas century against the West Indies in 1989.

After enduring a few quiet years, Sidhu returned strongly with twin centuries in both 1993 and 1994. His standout year came in 1997 when he piled up 720 runs, including three centuries. Across 51 Tests, the Punjab batter accumulated 3,202 runs at an impressive average of 42.13, with his highest score being 201 in the West Indies.

After their unbeaten triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has firmly established itself as a nearly unstoppable force in T20 cricket. Riding on that momentum, the team went on to win the 2025 Asia Cup without losing a single match, continuing their dominant run in international cricket.

In their last 12 matches across these tournaments, India emerged victorious in 11 encounters, with only one game ending without a result due to uncontrollable circumstances. Such a record has made the current Indian side a benchmark for excellence in the shortest format of the game.

During a TV interview on ‘Sports Today’, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai couldn’t resist posing a playful yet intriguing question to India’s first-ever World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev—for the third time. He asked hypothetically whether the legendary 1983 World Cup champions could have taken on and beaten India’s formidable 2025 Asia Cup-winning team in a T20 clash.

See Also: India vs West Indies 2025: Four Indian openers with 10+ Test centuries

Rajdeep Sardesai’s Intriguing Question to India’s First-Ever World Cup-Winning Captain:

Kapil Dev showcased the sharp and strategic mindset that had steered India to their historic 1983 World Cup victory against the West Indies, demonstrating the same clarity and insight that made him a legendary leader in cricket. He said, “ Very difficult to say. They can outbeat us because they know how to play T20. We didn’t know. Even 10 years back people didn’t know how to play (this brand of) T20.”

He further said, “ Now 150 mile (kph) ball is coming, and they (Indian batters) are sweeping as if they are playing an off spinner or leg spinner. You can’t compare two eras. But I’d say they are far better. Unbelievable. They are far better than what our team (India T20 side) was even five years ago.”

When Sardesai teased him about fitting seamlessly into any modern T20 team, Kapil replied with characteristic wit and confidence, reflecting his timeless cricketing sense and the strategic acumen that defined his leadership on the field. He added, “ I’m not playing now. What difference does it make today?”

Kapil Dev Talks About Which Player Impressed Him:

When questioned about Indian players who had caught his eye, Kapil wisely observed that it would take a few more years before he could label Abhishek Sharma—or any young batsman—a true star, even after their initial few seasons.

He said, “ Most players did their job well. Abhishek has become a household name. But give this young boy couple of years, opposition will start understanding his way of playing. Any new bowler comes out like Bumrah, he has to tackle other people. Or Malinga. Any new player, first season is very good, second season also. By third season if they are playing well, you will say ‘Yes! I think he has special talent.”

Kapil shared with ‘Sports Today’ that Tilak Varma had genuinely impressed him, particularly for his calm and composed temperament on the field, highlighting the young player’s maturity beyond his years in handling pressure situations.

He further said, “ But what Tilak played yesterday, was fabulous. Maturity was unparalleled. These boys know how to win matches. They don’t get into panic mode where they start going wild. They know they can get 30 plus in last 3 overs. They will get it easy. Not even once I got the impression that they are shaken up or (needed to worry about) what will happen.”

Kapil Dev expressed that Pakistan cricket was past its peak and had experienced stronger, more competitive periods in earlier years. He said, “ Pakistan don’t have similar talent like what they used to have in 80s or 90s or before that. Pakistan have given the world the best cricketers – Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis. But unfortunately, we can’t see even 1 percent of that talent of what they used to have.”

The Indian ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, is arguably one of the best white-ball batters of his generation. There are, however, speculations over his position in the national side ahead of the three-match away ODI series against Australia down under. Many reckoned that he could have featured in the unofficial ODIs against Australia A at home to find their shape and rhythm back with the bat. 

Amidst all of these rumours of the Indian side leaving out the Nagpur-born from the ODI side ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rohit turned up in an event in Mumbai with the two former World Cup-winning leaders of the Indian side, Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.

See Also: [WATCH ‘India ko…’- Fan’s plea to Haris Rauf ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

At the event, the legendary former all-rounder of the Indian side asked Rohit to cut the ribbon. But instead of doing that, the Nagpur-born asked Kapil to do the honours, given that the Haryana player is his senior. That moment shows the mutual respect between the two veterans, who have contributed immensely during their respective eras to the Indian national side.

Watch: Rohit Sharma’s heartfelt gesture wins social media after his respect towards Kapil Dev

Rohit is the 10th leading run-getter of the ODI side across the world of cricket. The right-handed batter has smashed 11168 runs in 265 innings at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80 with the help of 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 264 runs that he celebrated against Sri Lanka during the Eden Gardens’ ODI in Kolkata.

The way Rohit Sharma politely declined and let Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni cut the ribbon.

That’s how you respect your seniors. 🥹❤️

pic.twitter.com/JerTupLNIC

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) September 26, 2025

Rohit, a few days ago, arrived at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for fitness tests. The reports have claimed that he has also lost around 10 kg of weight to become fit for the games. Along with him, Virat Kohli aims to be part of the World Cup. After the Australia series, they will also be part of the home South Africa and New Zealand series.

India, on the other hand, has qualified for the final of the Asia Cup 2025, where they will lock horns with Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28.

The U-19 World Cup-winning captain of the 2012 edition for the Indian team, Unmukt Chand, has looked back at the statement of the former World Cup-winning captain of the Blue Brigade, Kapil Dev, during an event when he made a comment out of context. Chand reckoned that the reason for his attending the event was due to the request of a high-profile BCCI official to whom he couldn’t refuse.

Chand, who was the leading run-getter for India in that event with 246 runs in six innings at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate of 75, highlighted that cricket was always his top priority as he returned to attend the event to continue training in the camp.

See Also: [WATCH] Harbhajan Singh visits flood-affected Pindi Saida for rehabilitation work in Amritsar border area

“I feel the statement has been taken out of context. I agree with what he said. As a senior, he should say this. I don’t try to defend that. But we had a camp going on in the NCA. A very high BCCI official had said that I needed to attend this event. I could not say no to that. I had to be at that event. It wasn’t like I had quit cricket and gone there. I was told to return the next day.” Chand told The Lallantop.

Unmukt Chand responds to Kapil Dev’s opinion on the batter joining 2012 event

Just a few days after the end of the 2012 U-19 World Cup, the batter had shared the stage with Kapil at an event, where the 1983-winning captain blamed the former for having prioritized being at the event over attending the camp.

“What are you doing here? Why have you come here? If I were his coach or manager, I would not have let him come here even if I were given a million dollars. I would have kicked his backside for coming here.” Kapil Dev addressed that event. 

“I finished practice till 12 pm, took a flight from Bengaluru, attended the event, and returned so that I didn’t miss practice. But maybe he wasn’t aware of it and told what he did because of that.” Unmukt Chand concluded the recent discussion.

Pakistan cricket is upset about the no-handshake controversy in the Asia Cup 2025, in which the Indian cricket team decided not to shake hands with the Pakistan players in their group stage fixture of the Asia Cup 2025 last Sunday (September 14) night. Former Indian World Cup-winning captain has now opened up his view on this matter. 

India-Pakistan's tense relations have deepened since the 2025 Pahalgam attack, as many Indians have demanded a boycott of any remaining relationships with Pakistan. It has affected many India-Pakistan relationships, including in sports. In fact, in the World Championship of Legends 2025 in England, where many legendary international cricketers represented their respective nations, defending champions India Champions withdrew both their matches against Pakistan Champions, including withdrawing their Semi-final meeting. 

The Indian government has also clarified its stance with Pakistan, including regarding their sports relationship. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that they will respect and follow the Indian government’s decision, which is not to play any bilateral series with Pakistan and not to play any matches in Pakistan, but will face their arch-rivals in the international tournaments, like ACC or ICC, to avoid any legal issues at the international level. 

WATCH: Senior journalist Waheed Khan slams PCB calls Pakistan cricket an international joke

Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan (Group A): Indian players didn't shake hands with Pakistan players

Last Sunday, India faced Pakistan in the Group A fixture of the Asia Cup 2025, where the Men in Blues thrashed their arch-rivals by seven wickets. But in the toss, as well as after the match, the Indian team didn’t shake hands with the Pakistan cricket team.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t taken it lightly as they have demanded actions from the ICC against Match Referee Andy Pycroft for advising no handshake with the Indian team and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for his post-match comments.

These are all small things: Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, the 1983 Indian World Cup-winning captain, feels that these are small things, as no need to make a big issue. He rather advises focusing on playing the game. 

Kapil Dev told ANI, “These are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one’s personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug.”

Pakistan nearly boycotted its last group stage game in the Asia Cup 2025 against the hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Wednesday (September 17), as they arrived at the stadium late, which forced a one-hour delay to start the game. It was the must-win match for Pakistan, so withdrawing from the match meant their elimination from the tournament. As Pakistan beat the UAE by 41 runs, they will again face India on coming Sunday (September 21) night in the Super Fours of Asia Cup 2025. 

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh, who is also the father of Yuvraj Singh, heaped high praise on Mohammed Siraj following his standout performance in the final Test against England at The Oval. Siraj played a crucial role in helping India clinch a narrow win and level the series 2-2.

Yograj Singh was especially impressed by Siraj’s energy, consistency, and determination throughout the series. He mentioned that watching Siraj bowl reminded him of the great Kapil Dev, one of India’s finest all-rounders. According to Yograj, Siraj's hunger to take wickets and his aggressive style closely resembled Kapil’s approach during his playing days.

Comparing a modern-day bowler to a legend like Kapil Dev is no small compliment. Yograj’s remarks highlighted how Siraj’s recent performances, particularly in high-pressure situations, have taken his game to a new level and earned him admiration from former players and fans alike.

See Also: 3 Indian players who might miss out on selection for next Test series after IND vs ENG 2025

Yograj Singh Praises Siraj’s Hard Work:

Mohammed Siraj played a key role in India’s thrilling six-run victory in the final Test at The Oval, picking up nine wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. His efforts were crucial in turning the game around, especially after England looked set to win at 301/3 while chasing 374.

In a conversation with ANI, former cricketer Yograj Singh praised Siraj’s outstanding performance. He highlighted how Siraj led the Indian bowling attack with determination and skill, helping the team level the series despite being under immense pressure on the final day of the match.

He said, “The way our players have played, it was amazing to watch. The way Mohammed Siraj bowled, he reminded me of Kapil Dev. The captaincy of Shubman Gill was mature. It did not seem at all that he was a captain for the first time.”

Miya Magic in The Oval:

Mohammed Siraj was one of the two pacers, alongside Chris Woakes, to feature in all five tough Test matches. While Woakes got injured in the final game, Siraj remained strong throughout the series. He emerged as the top wicket-taker, claiming 23 wickets and proving his consistency and resilience across all five matches.

Mohammed Siraj shared that he strongly believed he could help India win the Oval Test on the final day. England needed just 35 runs with four wickets left, but Siraj turned the match around. Delivering a brilliant spell of pace bowling, he took three of the last four wickets, including the final dismissal of Gus Atkinson, leading India to a memorable and hard-fought victory.

Siraj earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance in both innings of the crucial Oval Test. His impact with the ball played a key role in securing victory in the series decider, showcasing his skill and determination when it mattered most for his team.

Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran has been named as one of the 14 members of the Telangana Sports Policy board. The new panel has been formed as part of the state's broader strategy to promote sporting development. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy officially launched the policy during the inaugural Telangana Sports Conclave held in Hyderabad.

The Sports Policy of Telangana is designed to promote sports activities, upgrade the sports infrastructure, and provide help to sportsmen from the grassroots level up to the international level. A significant element of the policy includes the creation of a Board of Governors to supervise the Telangana Sports Development Fund. The fund will be directed toward helping athletes excel at national and international events, including the Olympics.

The policy has roped in several big names from Indian sports and business. World Cup-winning cricket captain Kapil Dev, Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra, ace badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, and business tycoon Sanjiv Goenka are some of the leading members of this committee of high-powered personalities.

Kavya Maran's Rise in Sports Administration

Kavya Maran, the daughter of Sun Group Chairman Kalanithi Maran, is one of the youngest people on the policy board. She is a regular presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been seen in the stands passionately cheering on the Sunrisers Hyderabad. This inclusion in the policy board is of major significance for the involvement of younger and impactful voices in Indian sports development.

See Also: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025, 5th Test: Mohammed Siraj’s shocking blunder turns Harry Brook’s wicket into 6 at the Oval

Kavya comes from a politically and economically influential family, and she has a strong legacy. It is known that her grandfather Murasoli Maran was a senior DMK leader and her uncle Dayanidhi Maran has been in the Lok Sabha several times and also held Union Cabinet positions. Her appointment as one of the most influential women in the Indian sports business highlights her increasing involvement and contribution in the field.

India’s Test captain Shubman Gill continues to struggle with tosses in the England series, losing yet another one in the fifth Test at The Oval on July 31. England chose to bowl first, marking Gill’s fifth straight toss loss of the series. Remarkably, this extends the record to 15 consecutive toss defeats for an Indian men’s captain in international cricket.

This unfortunate streak also places India among the rare teams to lose all five tosses in a five-match Test series. It’s the 14th time this has happened in cricket history. With India trailing 1-2 in the series, the final match becomes a must-win to secure a draw. To boost their chances, India made four changes, bringing in Dhruv Jurel, Karun Nair, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna.

Gill, despite the toss setbacks, will be determined to end the series on a high. His name now joins an exclusive list—he’s the fourth Indian captain to lose all tosses in a five-Test series. With senior players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah missing, the young skipper will look to inspire his team with leadership and performance in this crucial encounter.

4. Lala Amarnath

During the 1948/49 West Indies tour of India, captain Lala Amarnath lost all five tosses, with West Indies skipper John Goddard winning each one. The series began with three consecutive draws in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The fourth Test in Chennai saw a dominant West Indies win by an innings and 193 runs, while the final Test in Mumbai was drawn.

India eventually lost the series 0-1, having failed to win a single match despite home conditions. Lala Amarnath, who captained India in 15 Tests overall, managed just two wins, with six losses and seven draws. His unfortunate toss streak in that series mirrored a challenging phase for Indian cricket during its early Test years.

3 Kapil Dev

In the 1982/83 tour of the West Indies, Kapil Dev endured a tough phase as India’s captain, losing all five tosses in the Test series. Clive Lloyd, leading the hosts, won every toss. West Indies claimed victories in the first Test at Sabina Park and the fourth at Barbados, while the remaining matches ended in draws.

India ultimately lost the series 0-2, with Kapil Dev struggling both with toss luck and results. Despite being a legendary all-rounder, his Test captaincy record wasn’t remarkable, leading India in 34 matches, he managed only four wins, with seven defeats and 22 draws during his tenure.

See Also: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing today in ENG vs IND 5th Test at The Oval?

2 Virat Kohli

Former India captain Virat Kohli also features on the list of skippers who lost all five tosses in a Test series. During India’s 2018 tour of England, Kohli failed to win a single toss. England won the first two Tests at Birmingham and Lord’s, while India bounced back with a big win in the third Test at Nottingham.

However, England sealed the series 4-1 by winning the final two Tests at Southampton and The Oval. Despite the toss misfortune, Kohli remains India’s most successful Test captain, leading the side in 68 matches with 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws, achieving a commendable win percentage of 58.82.

1 Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has now joined the list of captains who lost all five tosses in a Test series. In his debut series as India’s Test skipper, he failed to win a single toss. England took the first Test at Leeds, but India bounced back with a dominant 336-run win in the second Test at Birmingham to level the series.

England regained the lead with a narrow 22-run win in the third Test at Lord’s, while the fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw. With the series at 2-1, the final Test becomes decisive. England aim to clinch the series, while Shubman Gill’s team will push hard for a win to level the contest and end on a high.

The 1983 World Cup-winning Indian captain Kapil Dev recently talked about the present world-class all-rounders, the 34-year-old English pace-bowling all-rounder Ben Stokes, and the 36-year-old Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. 

Both Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja are playing very important roles for their respective teams in the ongoing five-match Test series in England, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Stokes is the leading wicket-taker in this Test series with 16 wickets, while the English Test captain has recorded a fifer and a century in the ongoing Manchester Test. In the meantime, the middle-order batter Ravindra Jadeja is the seventh leading run-scorer in the Test series with 347 runs in seven innings, including four consecutive half-centuries. Also, the left-handed spinner has picked up seven wickets in the series, including four wickets during England's first innings in the Manchester Test. 

See Also: 'Hard to sustain...' - Former World Cup winning captain huge remark on Jasprit Bumrah's bowling action

I still feel Jadeja is ahead: Kapil Dev

While the Manchester Test, the fourth Test of the series, is running, Kapil Dev praised Stokes but felt Jadeja was ahead. According to the Crickit report, Kapil Dev said, "I don't want to compare. Stokes is a good all-rounder, but I still feel Jadeja is ahead. He is performing far better."

Ravindra Jadeja has played more than 350 international matches, while Ben Stokes has played over 250 international matches, and both have proven themselves as one of the best all-rounders in international cricket history. 

Ravindra Jadeja's international cricket career (updated before the 2025 Manchester Test)

After making his international cricket debut in February 2009, Ravindra Jadeja has played 83 Tests, 204 ODIs, and 74 T20Is. As a left-handed batter, he has scored 3697 Test runs, 2806 ODI runs, and 515 T20I runs. On the other hand, the left-arm spinner has picked up 326 Test wickets, 231 ODI wickets, and 54 T20I wickets.

Ben Stokes' international cricket career (updated before the 2025 Manchester Test)

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes has played 114 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 43 T20Is since his international cricket debut in August 2011. The left-handed batter has scored 6891 Test runs, 3463 ODI runs, and 585 T20I runs. In the meantime, the right-arm fast medium bowler has also recorded 224 Test wickets, 74 ODI wickets, and 26 T20I wickets in his international career. 

Legendary ODI World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev recently opened up about his view on the Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah's unorthodox bowling action, as the right-arm fast bowler is dominating the cricket world with his powerful bowling.

Many cricket experts have been stunned by Jasprit Bumrah's incredible bowling performances, which the right-arm fast bowler has maintained consistently for a long time. He is a leading figure in the Indian bowling structure in recent cricket success for the nation. 

Although there are some non-stop accusations of chucking against Bumrah, the experts have proved that the Indian pacer's bowling action has never broken the ICC regulations. Meanwhile, his unorthodox bowling action first made him popular, but it has played a major role in his becoming one of the toughest and most consistent fast bowlers in world cricket. 

[WATCH] ENG VS IND 4TH TEST: Jasprit Bumrah clean bowled Liam Dawson

We didn’t think he would be able to play this far: Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah

Meanwhile, legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, who was one of the greatest pace-bowling all-rounders of all time, was also known for his outstanding fitness, as he never missed a Test match due to an injury. While he is one of the right people to tell about fitness, he never thought that Bumrah could be able to play for a long time in international cricket due to putting too much stress on the body. The 1983 World Cup-winning Indian captain felt that Bumrah's awkward action was difficult to sustain.  

Kapil Dev said, according to PTI, “I think everybody is different. Times have changed, bodies are different. They are working differently. It is difficult to judge. Yes, he is one of the fast bowlers we have, but his action is so awkward, and it is difficult to sustain."

“We didn’t think he would be able to play this far because he puts too much stress on the body. But still, he is delivering to the Indian team. So hats off to him."

Jasprit Bumrah has played over 200 international matches

The 31-year-old Jasprit Bumrah has already played 47 Tests, 89 ODIs, and 70 T20Is, where the right-arm fast bowler has picked up 217, 149, and 89 wickets, respectively (all the stats before the 2025 Manchester Test against England). He was a key figure of India's many successes in international cricket, including winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where he won the Player of the Tournament award.