MUMBAI — Jasprit Bumrah is not just another fast bowler; he is a phenomenon, a rare gem in the world of cricket. As someone who has fielded at slip to his bowling for years, I can confidently say that facing him in the nets or watching him dismantle batting line-ups was an experience like no other. His uniqueness wasn’t just in his unorthodox action but in his ability to outthink batters, adapt to conditions, and deliver under pressure. Beyond his skills, he was the "perfect" team-mate—humble, hardworking, and always putting the team first.
The Unorthodox Genius
Bumrah’s bowling action is the first thing that catches your eye. Unlike traditional fast bowlers with a long, flowing run-up, his approach is compact, almost robotic, yet explosive. This unusual action made it incredibly difficult for batters to pick up the ball early. As a slip fielder, I noticed how his deliveries seemed to skid off the surface, often surprising even the best players. His ability to generate pace and movement from such a short run-up defied conventional wisdom. "He made the ball talk," as we often say in cricket circles.
What set Bumrah apart was his mastery over variations. Whether it was the toe-crushing yorkers, deceptive slower balls, or sharp bouncers, he had an uncanny ability to execute them perfectly. I remember a Test match in England where he bowled a spell of reverse-swinging deliveries that left the opposition clueless. His control over the ball was so precise that he could land six yorkers in an over without breaking a sweat. As a slip fielder, you had to be on your toes because his edges came at you quicker than expected.
The Tactical Mastermind
Bumrah wasn’t just about raw pace; he was a thinking bowler. He studied batters meticulously, identifying their weaknesses and exploiting them ruthlessly. During team meetings, his inputs were always valuable. He’d point out subtle technical flaws in opponents, like a batter’s tendency to shuffle too much or their struggle against short balls. His ability to adapt mid-game was remarkable. If Plan A didn’t work, he’d switch to Plan B without hesitation. "He never relied on just one weapon," as Virat Kohli once remarked.
One of my fondest memories was during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Bumrah was leading the attack in the absence of senior bowlers, and his spell in Melbourne was a masterclass in fast bowling. He set up Steve Smith with a series of inswingers before bowling a perfect outswinger that took the edge. The way he outthought one of the world’s best batters was a testament to his cricketing intelligence. As a slip fielder, those moments were pure joy—watching him work his magic from close quarters.
Key Traits That Made Bumrah Special
- Unpredictability: His unusual action and variations kept batters guessing.
- Control: Rarely bowled loose deliveries, maintaining pressure consistently.
- Adaptability: Excelled in all formats and conditions, from swinging English pitches to flat Indian tracks.
- Mental Toughness: Thrived under pressure, often delivering breakthroughs when the team needed them most.
The Perfect Team-mate
Beyond his on-field brilliance, Bumrah was a team player in the truest sense. Despite his stardom, he remained grounded and approachable. He was always willing to bowl extra overs in the nets, help younger players, or share insights with the captain. His work ethic was infectious. I remember days when he’d be the first one at practice and the last to leave, fine-tuning his skills. "He never let success get to his head," a quality that earned him immense respect in the dressing room.
His camaraderie with fellow bowlers was another highlight. Whether it was partnering with Mohammed Shami in Tests or Bhuvneshwar Kumar in ODIs, he complemented them perfectly. He understood the importance of bowling in partnerships, building pressure from one end while the other attacked. His selflessness was evident in how he’d often take the tougher overs in limited-overs cricket, sacrificing personal stats for the team’s benefit.
Conclusion: A Once-in-a-Generation Bowler
Jasprit Bumrah’s journey from a young boy with an unconventional action to one of the world’s best fast bowlers is inspirational. His uniqueness lay not just in his skills but in his mindset—always learning, always evolving. As a slip fielder, I cherished every moment of watching him bowl, knowing I was witnessing something special. To the batters who faced him, he was a nightmare; to us, his team-mates, he was a "treasure." Cricket is richer for having a bowler like him, and I’m grateful to have shared the field with such a legend.