The Story
Jasprit Bumrah’s development into becoming one of the most successful young fast bowlers in the limited overs format has been excellent. The 23-year-old Gujarat star first grabbed the limelight with his weird action, then for his speed and accuracy and eventually is now renowned for being a yorker specialist.
All these qualities which have now become a key attribute of his cricketing character are a result of the learnings which he gathered as a teenager; sometimes on the practice ground and sometimes inside his living room by bowling at the corners of the wall to avoid making loud noises and escape his resting mother’s anger.
Safe against bullies
Bumrah, in a recent interview, explained the pros and cons of growing up under the shadow of a mom who also happened to be the principal of the school which he attended.
Speaking about the benefits, he revealed that he was always safe from bullies as they never dared to trouble him, apparently due to is “principal” mother.
However, at the same time, he had also to face the downsides of being raised in a conservative family that focused on life & career security over choosing a career path in sports that did not assure success usually.
“Basic regret I have that I was never able to bunk school. My friends always told me we didn’t go to school and we went here and there. But, I used to go to school with my mother so there was no other option but to go to school. But, yes, the only benefit was that there was no bullying. Everybody was always careful to not trouble me.”
“She didn’t want me to play cricket. Success is not guaranteed in it. She sugggeted improve your studies, we will send you to some good place – Canada or some other place – and then decide something. Till you finish your graduation, you have your time. Do whatever you want till then.”
Debut tour to Australia
Bumrah also had an interesting anecdote to share from his debut tour to Australia. He made his debut in the 5th ODI of the series at Sydney and finished figures of 2/40 with his maiden wicket being opposition skipper Steve Smith.
However, Bumrah could have made his debut bit earlier in the series, but an unforeseen issue caused a delay.
“I got selected for the T20s and ODIs. But, I had some visa problems. I went for the last ODI traveling in a direct flight – from Delhi to Sydney. It was a long flight. I was bored already. I was alone. I only knew Aar Patel.”
“We had a practice session at 10 am. Luckily, the session was canceled due to rains. Then I thought I won’t play because the team doesn’t know what I do. I was ready to be the water boy. There was a team meeting in the afternoon.”
“Team Director Ravi Shastri was present and asked, ready? I said, yes. I didn’t expect it.
“The next day, no one discussed anything. I waited for the toss, then we were on the field, the warm-ups were over but still, no one approached to share a word or two. It was only about ten minutes before the start of the match that Ravi Shastri came up to me and said Do whatever you know. I was surprised. I need some motivation and expected some instruction. The match went well and we won the match later on.”