Jasprit Bumrah: A Unique Bowler’s Smile Rooted in the Dream of Playing for India

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s extraordinary fast bowler, shares insights from his home in Ahmedabad, reflecting on his unorthodox style, the pain of the World Cup final, and his love for Test cricket.

Bumrah, now 30, reveals that, growing up, he never considered his bowling style unorthodox until he saw a video of himself during a national junior camp. His unique action, marked by explosive movements and a hyperextended elbow, has become his strength. He credits the lack of attempts to change his style by coaches, allowing him to embrace his natural approach.

The cricketer emphasizes his fascination with fast bowling from a young age, mentioning that his interest was never in high-scoring games but rather in the art of taking wickets. Bumrah reveals the origin of his laser-guided yorker, explaining how he used to bowl silently into the skirting board at home during hot afternoons to avoid disturbing his sleeping mother.

His cricket journey evolved through tape-ball cricket and the Gujarat Cricket Association, eventually catching the eye of Mumbai Indians’ John Wright in 2013. Bumrah acknowledges that he was a “happy accident” that turned into a poster boy for the Indian Premier League.

Regarding his preference for cricket formats, Bumrah asserts his love for Test cricket, considering it the ultimate challenge for a bowler. He recognizes the importance of each format, emphasizing the need for balance and avoiding an overdose of any particular format.

Discussing England’s aggressive approach in Test cricket, known as “Bazball,” Bumrah appreciates their success and sees it as an opportunity for bowlers like himself to stay in the game. He shares his perspective on captaincy, expressing his enjoyment of leading India during a Test match and leaving the door open for future opportunities.

Reflecting on the World Cup final loss to Australia, Bumrah admits it was a painful experience but emphasizes the need to move on. He explains his self-taught approach to maintaining composure on the field, channeling anger, and finding joy in the limited career of a cricketer.

Despite the occasional “red mist,” as seen during a fiery exchange with Jimmy Anderson in 2021, Bumrah praises the veteran English bowler’s passion and longevity in the game. As he prepares to join the India squad for the upcoming Test series against England, Bumrah expresses gratitude for his cricket career, constantly reminding himself of the dream of playing for India and the importance of enjoying the journey.