As Cheteshwar Pujara recounted recently, the first encounters he had with Jasprit Bumrah were intimidating. He underscored the bowler’s phenomenal ability, clearly visible even at his teen age. During their first meeting in a club match, a brisk encounter on an asphalt pitch, the fiery Bumrah’s standout skill set was immediately revealed. Pujara lauded Bumrah for recently achieving the landmark of 217 wickets in just 47 Test matches. He added that Bumrah was different from his contemporaries due to his speed and unorthodox bowling action.
Bumrah’s first instinct has always been to deliver his best ball, a trait that has made him a formidable presence in the cricketing world. “I will defend. I don’t know if I will survive but I will do my best,” Pujara noted, revealing the mindset players often adopt when facing such an extraordinary talent.
Pujara remembered that, based on their face-offs, Bumrah had a rare ability to read the strengths and weaknesses of the batters. This tactical awareness helped him adjust his strategy, but that just made him more dangerous to opponents.
The second most amazing thing about Bumrah is the cool-headedness he shows on the field. Pujara remarked, “I would have been running around celebrating and talking about it for ages. Jasprit stayed cool and didn’t ever brag. He just gets on with the next delivery.” It’s not for nothing that this cool airframe is one of the most complete bowlers out there — that devilish streak shines through on the pitch.
When I hear people describe what makes Jasprit Bumrah special, they seem to focus on his pace. What Pujara does make clear, straight up, is that the fast Mohammed Shami. He concedes, Bumrah’s quicker still, and it’s his angles that force wicketkeepers to stand up to the stumps for right-handed batsmen. This novel bowling approach not only creates immense difficulty for batters but shifts the battlefield of the game.
Aside from his raw talent, Bumrah’s cricketing IQ is on a different level. For example, he’ll often share his thoughts on what batters may do to change their approach against him and how that shows just how much he understands the game. He helps in practice by working with veteran players, including former Sri Lanka bowler Lasith Malinga. This collaboration sharpens his ability as a crafty bowler, letting him fool his enemies.
Off the field, Bumrah is an introvert known for his simplicity, in stark contrast to his fierce on-field demeanour. His quiet, stoic demeanor fuels his highly competitive nature. This fascinating contrast only serves to make him a more complex character. So even in informal settings such as playing FIFA on his console, Bumrah likes having a dependable ally alongside him.
Bumrah’s name had been touted recently as a frontrunner for the captaincy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India surprised many when they selected Shubman Gill. This consideration goes a long way to show the respect he commands on peers and selectors.
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