Ever caught yourself thinking about why Jasprit Bumrah’s unusual bowling action grabs so much attention?
A recent video analyzing his action has gone viral, reigniting the age-old debate: is it chucking, or just a unique bowling technique? Let’s unpack the science and controversy behind one of cricket’s most talked-about bowling actions.
What Is Chucking in Cricket
In cricket, “chucking” means the bowler’s elbow straightens too much while delivering the ball—more than what is naturally allowed. The ICC (International Cricket Council) has set a limit that a bowler’s elbow cannot extend (straighten) more than 15 degrees from the position when the upper arm reaches shoulder height until the ball is released. If this limit is crossed, the delivery is considered a throw and is illegal.
Over the years, several bowlers with unusual actions have been questioned for chucking. The most famous example is Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, whose doosra—a tricky spin delivery that turns the ball the other way—sparked a lot of debate worldwide. Others like Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, and Saeed Ajmal have also faced scrutiny at different points in their careers.
This ongoing debate naturally brings us to Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling style, which has faced similar questions.
Why Bumrah’s Action Draws Attention
Bumrah has been accused of chucking several times in the past because of his unusual throwing style. To understand the exact cause behind his action and clear doubts, the scientist who made the viral video consulted her mother, Dr. Nicola Massy-Westropp, Nicola M Massy-Westropp. B App Sc OT, Hons, CHT (USA), M Science, PhD, an expert in anatomy. She then broke down the science behind it.
She explained that Bumrah’s bowling action and the movement of his elbow look unusual, especially when viewed in slow motion. The reason behind this is something called hyperextension of the elbow.
What Is Hyperextension
Most people can straighten their arm to make a straight line between the forearm and upper arm—like when you fully extend your arm to wave goodbye. Imagine this as a ruler laid flat in a straight line. Now, hyperextension is when the arm goes beyond that straight line, bending slightly backward—like a door that swings open just a little too far.
She added that this extra movement could be due to the natural looseness of Bumrah’s ligaments or the shape of the bones in his elbow joint. While most people’s elbows stop at the straight line, Bumrah’s can bend slightly past it. This unique hyperextension is what makes his bowling action look different, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s illegal.
Public Reaction and Comparisons
Soon, the video went viral and sparked a mix of opinions. Many fans defended Bumrah, praising his skills and unique bowling style, while others remained curious about the science behind it. One user even asked if Bumrah and Muttiah Muralitharan had the same condition. But they don’t—while Bumrah’s action involves hyperextension, meaning his elbow bends slightly backward beyond the normal straight line, Murali’s issue was quite different. Murali had a permanently bent arm during delivery, which is the opposite of Bumrah’s condition.
The Takeaway
Ultimately, Bumrah’s bowling action may look unusual, but experts say it falls within the rules of cricket. The ongoing discussions show how complex and fascinating bowling biomechanics can be, reminding us that what looks unconventional isn’t always unfair or illegal.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)