‘Was Remodeled…’: Former Indian coach recalls working on trying to improve Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action

Considering Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action being a potential cause of an injury, former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun has acknowledged how, at NCA (Centre of Excellence), they tried their best to alter Bumrah’s action.

“In 2013, Bumrah had come to the NCA for an Under-19 camp and pitched for selection. He couldn’t make the team, but he was in the 30-member camp at the National Cricket Academy. In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodeled, but then the action was great, the ball was not going quick. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective?” Arun said, speaking to Bombay Sport.

“He could bowl quick, and so we discussed with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn’t want to touch his action because it’s very unique and generates a lot of pace. But it also puts him under stress,” recalled Arun.

For context, Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action features a hyper-extension from his elbow, which helps him to have that tad bit of more contact with the ball as compared to other bowlers. This little more contact is enough to bowl lethal deliveries, and makes him the great bowler he is.