In the realm of cricket, comparisons between players from different eras often ignite passionate debates among fans and analysts alike. Recently, this topic resurfaced when jasprit bumrahthe extraordinary performance of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025-25 against Australia led many to draw parallels with the cricket legend Kapil Dev.
Bumrah’s impressive tally of 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 discussions about his place in the pantheon of Indian cricket greats. However, Kapil, the iconic captain of IndiaThe 1983 World Cup-winning team has firmly rejected these comparisons, emphasizing the futility of pitting players of different generations against each other.
Kapil Dev closes debates calling it a generational divide
Kapil’s statement is rooted in a deep understanding of the evolution of cricket over the decades. “Please don’t compare [me with Bumrah]; You cannot compare one generation with another. Today’s kids do 300 runs in a single day, which did not happen in our time. So don’t compare.” he stated emphatically during a media event.
He explained that modern players can achieve feats that were unimaginable during his playing days, such as scoring 300 runs in a single day, a stark contrast to the more conservative scoring rates of the past. This statement underlines a critical point: cricket is not just a numbers game; It is also a reflection of the context in which those figures are achieved.
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The weight of expectations on Jasprit Bumrah
The pressure on contemporary players like Bumrah is immense, especially as their performances are often analyzed in comparison to historical benchmarks set by legends like Kapil. Bumrah’s recent performance in the series has put him in the spotlight that comes with praise and expectations. Kapil’s warning serves as a reminder that such comparisons can be damaging and potentially overshadow individual achievements and contributions to the game.
The future of Indian cricket stars
Apart from making comparisons with Bumrah, Kapil also touched on the future of other stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players have faced criticism for their lackluster performances in Australia, raising questions about their future in Test cricket. Kohli managed just 190 runs in five matches, while Rohit struggled even more, averaging just 6.20 in three Tests.
When asked about their possible return to domestic cricket to rejuvenate their careers, Kapil refrained from offering direct comments and stated that it is ultimately up to the players to decide when they feel it is time to take a step back.
“They are very great players. Let’s hope that when they think it’s the right time to play… they suspend it.”, he concluded, highlighting his respect for their autonomy when making such important professional decisions.