The 3 Most Unique Bowling Actions in Cricket History: From Bumrah to Shivil Kaushik
Cricket in India is not just a sport; it is a religion. Over the decades, fans have witnessed legendary batsmen play the perfect cover drive and bowlers deliver lightning-fast bouncers. However, what truly captures the imagination of the Indian audience is the “weird and wonderful.” From the gullies of Mumbai to the international stadiums, unique bowling actions have always been a topic of intense discussion.
While textbook techniques are taught in academies, some bowlers have defied the laws of conventional physics to create history. Here are the three most unique bowling actions in cricket history that left batsmen confused and fans mesmerized.
1. Jasprit Bumrah: The Hyperextended Speedster
When Jasprit Bumrah first burst onto the scene in the IPL, many critics believed his action would lead to frequent injuries. Fast forward to today, and he is India’s premier all-format bowler. Bumrah’s action is characterized by a short, stuttering run-up followed by stiff-armed, hyper-extended delivery at the point of release.
Unlike traditional fast bowlers who use a long stride and a rhythmic swing, Bumrah generates immense pace from his shoulders and a unique release point that is closer to the batsman than usual. This “eccentric” action makes it incredibly difficult for batsmen to pick his yorkers and deceptive slower balls.
2. Shivil Kaushik: The “Frog in a Blender”
If there was ever an award for the most unorthodox action in Indian cricket history, Shivil Kaushik would win it hands down. Drawing comparisons to the legendary South African spinner Paul Adams, Kaushik’s action was famously described as a “frog in a blender.”
During his stint with the Gujarat Lions in the IPL, Kaushik shocked viewers by contorting his body to an extreme degree. At the moment of delivery, his head would point towards extra cover or even mid-off, making it impossible for him to actually see the stumps while releasing the ball. This 180-degree neck twist made his chinaman deliveries a nightmare to read, as his body language gave no clue about the ball’s trajectory.
3. Lasith Malinga: The Slinging Malinga
No list of unique actions is complete without the man who redefined “death bowling.” Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, a household name in India thanks to his legendary years with Mumbai Indians, introduced the world to the “Slinga” action.
Malinga’s release point was almost horizontal, resembling a catapult rather than a traditional over-arm motion. This low release point meant the ball emerged from a height that batsmen weren’t trained to look at. For Indian fans, Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers delivered with that side-arm action remain some of the most iconic moments in IPL history.
Conclusion
Unique bowling actions prove that cricket is as much about individuality as it is about technique. Whether it is Jasprit Bumrah’s unorthodox shoulder-heavy blast or Shivil Kaushik’s body-twisting spin, these bowlers have shown that being different can be a massive competitive advantage. While coaches often encourage “clean” actions, the success of these stars reminds us that in cricket, the result matters more than the style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has the weirdest bowling action in Indian cricket?
Shivil Kaushik is widely considered to have the weirdest action due to his extreme body contortion, though Jasprit Bumrah is the most successful bowler with an unorthodox action.
2. Is Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action legal?
Yes, Jasprit Bumrah’s action is 100% legal. It has been cleared by the ICC and is simply a result of his unique biomechanics and shoulder strength.
3. Why do some bowlers have unique actions?
Most unique actions are natural or “street-taught.” Bowlers often develop these styles in their youth to generate more pace or turn, and as long as they don’t bend their elbow beyond 15 degrees, the actions are legal.
4. Did Paul Adams inspire Shivil Kaushik?
While Shivil Kaushik’s action is very similar to Paul Adams’, most unorthodox bowlers develop their style naturally rather than intentionally imitating others.
