Jasprit Bumrah: The Unorthodox Action Behind Cricket's Most Dangerous Bowler
Jasprit Bumrah's unique, unorthodox bowling action defies coaching manuals — yet he is consistently ranked the world's best fast bowler. This guide explains his action, why it's so difficult to face, his trajectory from Gujarat to world number one, and his technical innovations.
Jasprit Bumrah's bowling action is unlike anything in the history of fast bowling — a chest-on approach, minimal run-up, and a delivery stride that looks mechanically unusual yet produces some of the most dangerous deliveries in world cricket. Coaches across the game have described his action as 'uncoachable' — something that emerged organically through self-development in Gujarat, not through the elite academies that produce most Indian Test cricketers. That ungainliness is precisely what makes him so difficult to face.
What Makes the Action Unusual
Bumrah's action is chest-on (facing the batsman square rather than sideways at the point of delivery) — which conventionally reduces a bowler's ability to swing the ball and generates less pace. Yet Bumrah generates 140-150 kph through this action, and his unusual body position creates a different release angle than any other pace bowler — making it very difficult for batsmen to pick up the trajectory early. His wrist position also generates late, sharp movement in both directions: conventional swing, reverse swing, and cutters.
Career Trajectory
Bumrah was first spotted playing for Gujarat and became known through the IPL (Mumbai Indians, from 2013). India's national selectors initially hesitated — there were concerns about his unorthodox action and whether it could survive the demands of Test cricket. But his T20I debut (2016) and ODI debut (2016) led quickly to his Test debut in South Africa (2018) — where he immediately impressed on a challenging away tour. He became ICC's number one Test bowler ranking in 2022.
Why He Is So Difficult to Face
Batsmen consistently report that Bumrah is harder to face than any other bowler because of his unusual action. The ball is obscured behind his body longer than with conventional actions; the release point is unpredictable; and his variety (inswinger, outswinger, slower ball, bouncer, yorker) all look the same from the hand. His economy rate in all formats is extraordinary for a fast bowler — he is as economical as he is dangerous. Injury management has been his main challenge — a back stress fracture cost him much of 2022-23.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Jasprit Bumrah's action considered unusual?
Bumrah's action is chest-on (facing the batsman square) rather than sideways — unconventional for pace bowling. Combined with a short, angled run-up and unique release position, it creates a delivery angle that batsmen struggle to pick early. Most pace coaches would not teach this action, yet it produces world-class results.
What is Bumrah's fastest recorded delivery?
Jasprit Bumrah has bowled deliveries up to 153 kph (95 mph) in international cricket. He typically bowls at 140-150 kph in Test cricket, reserving maximum pace for pressure deliveries. His pace combined with his movement makes him uniquely dangerous.
Has Bumrah played all three formats?
Yes. Bumrah plays Tests, ODIs, and T20Is for India — and is considered world-class in all three formats. He is one of very few bowlers who can be the most dangerous bowler in all formats simultaneously. He also plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.