Having made his debut earlier this year in Australia, Jasprit Bumrah has impressed one and all and has become one of India’s bowling mainstays. His ability to bowl yorkers at will has made him MS Dhoni’s go-to man in the limited-overs cricket. However, just like the other players he also dreams of playing Test cricket for the Indian team.
The right-arm pacer recently had an interview with The Times of India, where he spoke on various topics.
Excerpts:
On his impressive first year in international cricket:
I have learnt a lot. There are so many talented players in the Indian dressing room – so much of experience. I tried to learn from them. I picked the brains of Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), Virat (Kohli), Ashu bhai (Ashish Nehra). How they prepare before a match, their work ethic, how they approach a difficult situation – I have tried to imbibe all that in my game.
On how did he develop himself to bowl yorkers consistently:
It’s not that I started bowling yorkers at the international arena. I honed my skills while playing for Gujarat and in the IPL. I used to watch (Lasith) Malinga practice in the Mumbai Indians nets. He used to keep a pair of shoes at the popping crease and fire in his yorkers. If you keep bowling a delivery, you manage to perfect that. I am not saying that I have managed to master the art of bowling yorkers, but it is definitely a major weapon in my armoury. During pressure situations, it is important to have confidence in your ability.
On whether his journey in international cricket is only going to get tougher:
That’s true, but as an international cricketer one needs to evolve constantly. It’s not just the yorker that will help me survive the rigours of international cricket. I feel I shouldn’t be labelled as just a yorker bowler. There is more to me than just yorkers. I try to mix up the yorkers with bouncers, slower balls and quicker length deliveries to keep batsmen guessing. I want to bowl well with old as well as the new ball and try not to repeat the mistakes.
On what goes through his head while bowling the death overs:
It is important to have a clear head while bowling at the death and one has to have self-belief. I back myself to execute my plans. At times, the plans don’t work but more often than not one is successful.
On whether he is contemplating the idea of playing Test cricket:
It is my dream to play Test cricket for India. Any cricketer who plays the game professionally wants to taste the challenge of Test cricket. I am no different. But it’s my nature to remain in the present and not look too far ahead. Now I am concentrating on what is in my hand and try to excel in that.