England’s Jos Buttler has described Jasprit Bumrah as the biggest star in the Indian touring party, days before the two teams begin their World Test Championship (WTC) campaigns in a new cycle. With a five-match Test series starting at Headingley on June 20, Buttler reflected on what makes Bumrah such a unique challenge for batters.
The England-India series marks the beginning of the 2025–27 WTC cycle for both teams. Ben Stokes will lead the hosts, while India are in transition under new captain Shubman Gill. But even in this period of change, Bumrah’s presence remains as a known threat, especially in English conditions, where his role will be massive.
Jasprit Bumrah was key to India’s Test success during their last tour in 2021. He took 18 wickets in four matches. His awkward angles and deceptive pace continue to be a talking point for opponents. Jos Buttler, who has played against Bumrah in both red and white-ball formats, opened up on the difficulties of facing him.
Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: Graeme Swann Bashed For Terming Test Series As "Ashes Warm-Up”
Jos Buttler Labels Jasprit Bumrah as India’s Biggest Star
Buttler singled out Bumrah as the top name in the Indian lineup. He sees him as a game-changer, someone England will have to watch closely from the very first Test.
"I don’t think there’s a bigger star in that touring squad than Jasprit Bumrah," Jos Buttler said as quoted to Stuart Broad on the For the Love of Cricket podcast.
Buttler explained how Bumrah’s biomechanics set him apart. Unlike traditional pacers who generate pace through a long run-up and high-arm release, Bumrah’s short, explosive action cuts down the batter’s reaction time. Even when he clocks mid-140s on the speed gun, the ball tends to hurry the batter.
"…facing him (Bumrah), he creates awkward angles, the run-up is unique, the action is unique. I think I have seen the side-ons (bowlers), but he delivers the ball from about a foot or even a bit more closer to the batsman than the average bowler, so the ball feels quicker even than the pace he is actually bowling at," he added.
Buttler, who has faced Bumrah across formats including the Indian Premier League (IPL), stated that the speedster’s deceptive release makes him particularly harder for him.
"For me as a right-hander, it always felt like it was coming in, but he could beat me on the outside, and you sort of find yourself in a horrible position, squared up and a bit of a sitting target."
The 34-year-old opined that England will have to neutralise Bumrah’s threat to win the upcoming series.
"He is a superstar bowler, and that’s what you expect in international cricket. You are going to come up against great players and certainly someone England will need to play well to have good success," Buttler concluded.
Jasprit Bumrah's Test Record in England
Bumrah’s record in England backs up every word. In nine Test matches in England, he has bagged 37 wickets. 18 of those came in the 2021 series, the highest by an Indian bowler.
England know Bumrah is the biggest threat with the ball. And if India want to start this new WTC cycle strong, they will need him to lead the attack, just like he did the last time they toured.
Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: "India Will Miss His Fighting Spirit" -Ben Stokes On Virat Kohli
