Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah. Image Credits: Twitter

Shane Bond, a legendary New Zealand speedster and MI bowling coach talks about his time with Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL at the Mumbai Indians. Jasprit Bumrah made his IPL debut in 2013.

But it wasn’t until the conclusion of IPL 2015 that he rose in prominence, and was given a call-up to the national side in January 2016 in ODI and T20I. Clearly, Shane Bond’s appointment at Mumbai in IPL 2015 helped him significantly, and MI did win the title that year too.

Shane Bond(Twitter)
Shane Bond(Twitter)

Shane Bond Referred Jasprit Bumrah As The Skinny Guy Who Didn’t Lack In Confidence

Shane Bond recalls that the Ahmedabad pacer, who now is the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, was a “skinny guy”. But he was someone who wasn’t short of confidence, having spent a couple of seasons already at MI, albeit to less success. The former Kiwi pacer heaps praise on Jasprit Bumrah’s work ethic over the years which has seen him become arguably the best fast bowler in the world across formats.

Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah (Image Credit: Twitter)

“That skinny guy who certainly didn’t lack in confidence. A good joke, a good laugh, better trust and great fun. That’s how the journey has been. But what’s also been great is the hard work that’s been put in over the time, the building of trust, the whole effort at getting better all the time,” Shane Bond said on the TOI podcast, Sportscast.

Breaking all myths and stereotypes, Jasprit Bumrah, the pacer with unorthodox bowling action has emerged as India’s premier bowler across all formats. His transition from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket has been seamless and he now has five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, and Australia.

From getting Virat Kohli as his debut IPL wicket, his stature has grown rapidly and he is a vital cog in MI’s wheel. If the IPL is all about spotting Indian talent and giving them the platform, the credit for Jasprit Bumrah’s rapid rise must go to Mumbai Indians.

Bowling alongside Lasith Malinga has helped and the Sri Lankan star has backed his strength and boosted his confidence. He has 115 scalps from 99 IPL games averaging 24.14.

Shane Bond Hopes Jasprit Bumrah Doesn’t Trouble New Zealand Batsmen

Shane Bond, however, is hoping that Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t trouble the New Zealand batters in the World Test Champions Final at The Rose Bowl. Jasprit Bumrah made his Test debut in January 2018, on the tour of South Africa and he has since picked up 83 wickets in 19 Tests at a terrific average of 22.10 and has been part of both of India’s series triumph in Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)
Jasprit Bumrah (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)

“I hope he doesn’t have a great game this game coming up,” Shane Bond wishes.

Meanwhile, India has announced their playing eleven for the WTC Final, although it can be changed by the toss on the 2nd day. They have decided to go with the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, alongside the senior pace troika of Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah.

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.