Mumbai Indians retained Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for the latest edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 24-year-old Bumrah broke into the national set-up courtesy his IPL heroics.
Bumrah was impressive in his maiden Test tour to South Africa. And the pacer continues to be a lethal weapon in the limited-overs game. He is back in the nets, wearing blue. The cricketer is an integral part of Mumbai’s team.
Bumrah set for IPL glory –
“I was on a break and bowled a lot of overs in South Africa, had played continuously throughout the year. I was at NCA and not sleeping at home. It was a good break and was necessary. The hunger is back, and it is good to be back (playing cricket),” Bumrah said ahead of the season opener against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
“I have played against CSK before. It’s good to play against India teammates,” said Bumrah, who has bagged 47 wickets in 46 matches for MI, in his three-year stint.
Big role for the seamer
The Ahmedabad-born bowler is a senior member in the Mumbai-based outfit. With Lasith Malinga hanging up his boots, a lot will depend on how the pacer goes about his job.
“We have a very good bowling unit. We have got varieties — good spinners and fast bowlers,” he said.
Coach Mahela Jayawardene recently said Bumrah did not know the word pressure.
“I don’t think about expectations and just want to focus on the situation and not about outside. A clear mindset and control are very important. Even if you have six varieties, if you are not able to execute on a given day it’s no use,” said the Indian seamer.
MI’s bowling coach Shane Bond too was impressed with Bumrah.
“I watched a little bit of him in South Africa. is No. 1 in T20s, No. 1 in ODIs and in Test cricket he has been outstanding. He has grown up as a person, he is a senior player now. I met him three years ago for the first time. He is still the same — humble and wants to work hard.”
This is newsfeed:
Bumrah posts an emotional quote to empathize with Steve Smith
IPL 2018: Mumbai Indians Coach Shane Bond Heaps Praise on Bumrah