Jasprit Bumrah: “Seniors allowed me to freely express myself”

“The find [of the tour] for me was Jasprit Bumrah.” That is what Indian captain MS Dhoni said after the completion of Australian tour. The very words coming out from a legend of the game shows the immense potential the 22-year old possesses. The Gujarat cricketer made his international debut at Sydney in the final ODI. He played a role in India’s win and later in the T20Is; he finished up as the highest wicket-taker. In fact, India won all the matches in which Bumrah played.

Bumrah may not have the most ideal action but cricket has seen unorthodox styles making their own place. He can bowl good pace, fire in those rare yorkers, bowl diligently and has been very impressive so far.

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After the successful Australian tour, the youngster spoke to Mumbai Mirror and pointed out that how the seniors allowed him to be original and express himself.

“When I first met the Indian team, I was expecting the seniors to tell me what to do and what not to,” Jasprit said. They just told me to be myself and express myself. From Ravi Shastri to all my seniors including Dhoni-bhai and Virat-bhai [Kohli], everyone asked me to take my debut in Sydney as any other domestic match. I bowled first change, which is what I do for my state team Gujarat. It took the pressure off me and allowed me to bowl freely. I think the team environment played a crucial role,” said Bumrah.

Accolades and adulations are bound to follow the youngster especially after a successful outing Down Under but with it the expectations are bound to rise. However Bumrah is unperturbed and is keeping himself away from the distractions. He added, “I know it is a challenge to live up to expectations every day. I might falter too and I know what is there in store. That is why I don’t want success and failure to affect or change me. For now, I am only focussed on the Sri Lanka series. I am trying to not get distracted.”

The busy upcoming India’s T20I schedule will be crucial for the youngster. Not only it is a chance for him to establish himself as the strike-bowler but also it will test his fitness. In 2014, an injury had hampered his progress. Bumrah and India will hope that is not the case again.