Jasprit Bumrah breaks Zaheer Khan's record

Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the history books by surpassing Zaheer Khan's record for the most Test wickets by an Indian pace bowler in a calendar year.

Bumrah achieved this milestone on Saturday, during Day 2 of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, by dismissing Australian veteran Steve Smith.  

With his tally now standing at 52 wickets in 2024, Bumrah eclipsed Zaheer Khan’s 2002 record of 51 wickets, which came at an average of 29. Bumrah's remarkable consistency has been reflected in his astonishing average of around 15 this year.  

The legendary Kapil Dev still leads this prestigious list of most Test wickets by an Indian fast bowlers in a calendear year, occupying both the top two spots. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain took an incredible 75 wickets in 1983 at an average of 23.18 and 74 wickets in 1979 at an average of 22.95.  

Bumrah’s record-breaking moment gave India a much-needed boost as they continue to fight in the second Test. Australia led by 27 runs with six wickets in hand in their first innings. Despite the lead, Bumrah's fiery spell ensured that India stayed in contention.