Jasprit Bumrah, reflecting on his career’s turnaround, couldn’t help but laugh at the change in narrative around him. A year ago, doubts were cast over his future due to a severe back injury, but today he is hailed as one of the best in the game. Bumrah’s journey back to form was highlighted by his exceptional performance in India’s thrilling 6-run victory over Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9, 2024.
Overcoming Injury and Doubts
In 2022, Bumrah underwent surgery for a lower back stress fracture, missing the T20 World Cup in Australia. His comeback was further delayed by a strain that kept him out for more than ten months. Despite skepticism about his ability to handle the workload of three formats, Bumrah silenced his critics with 67 wickets across formats in the last year. His match-winning 3/14 against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup was a testament to his resilience and skill.
“See a year ago, the same people were saying that I might not play again and my career is over and then now the question changed,” Bumrah remarked, addressing those who doubted his comeback.
Focus on Controllables
Bumrah emphasized the importance of focusing on controllable factors in his performance. “For me, I am not looking at whether I am bowling at the best of my ability. I try to solve the problem that is there in front of me,” he said. This approach helped him excel despite the pressures of a high-stakes game.
Avoiding External Pressure
Bumrah creates his own bubble to avoid external noise and pressure. Reflecting on the IPL-17, where bowlers faced tough conditions with 1260 sixes hit, he noted the importance of not carrying that baggage into the T20 World Cup. “Obviously, the IPL that we played was not very bowler-friendly but we are very happy that we didn’t come here with that baggage,” he said.
The MI Template and Leadership
Having played most of his franchise cricket under Rohit Sharma‘s captaincy at Mumbai Indians, Bumrah credited their successful partnership for his ability to handle low-scoring games. “So, once we started, we were very clear the message in the huddle was that now that is over, what is next?” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and maintaining composure.
Strategic Bowling
Bumrah cautioned against overdoing effort deliveries like yorkers or bouncers in low-scoring matches. “If we go for magic deliveries and try to be too desperate, run-making becomes easy,” he explained. Instead, he focused on creating pressure and maintaining a disciplined approach.
Advocating for Bowlers
As one of the leading pacers, Bumrah is an advocate for bowlers in a batsman-dominated country. “I always advocate bowlers, but we’re very happy with the appreciation that bowlers have received,” he said, celebrating the rise of bowlers in Indian cricket.
Bumrah’s journey from doubts to dominance underscores his resilience, strategic approach, and unwavering focus on the controllable aspects of his game.
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