The leader of Team India’s pace unit Jasprit Bumrah had an extremely underwhelming World Test Championship Final against New Zealand.
A lot was expected from the 27-year-old ahead of the all-important final and almost everyone had predicted that he would end up being India’s wrecker-in-chief against the Blackcaps.
However, to the surprise and dismay of everyone, Bumrah went wicketless in the final. It ended up proving to be costly for the side as well as they failed to drag themselves into the game following the third session and ended up losing by eight wickets.
All of that is behind him now and the pace bowler roared back to life with a stunning performance to rattle the English batsmen in the very first Test in Nottingham. He picked up nine wickets across two innings, including a five-wicket-haul in the third one. Following his sensational return to form, Bumrah said that he didn’t make much changes and only minor mental adjustments helped him get back to doing what he does best.
“Not a lot of adjustment, just the mindset adjustments, probably not looking at the end result and just being in the moment and trying to back our skills. Not a lot of changes that I have made, I am just trying to improve my game and add a few things,” said Bumrah during a virtual press conference held at the end of Day 4.
Bumrah also went to speak at length about his unique bowling action which makes him stand out from the crowd. Ever since he appeared at the international scene following breakthrough performances in the IPL with Mumbai Indians, Bumrah’s bowling action has constantly been a point of conversation.
“Lot of questions about my action, I was always of the belief that if I have something different I can always take advantage and keep on improving. Test matches take a lot out of your body, and for me it’s always Test cricket growing up and as a youngster if someone asks me, I tell them that this is a format if you want to be recognised and gives you a lot of rewards,” Bumrah told Dinesh Karthik in a conversation for Sky Sports.
Several experts and former fast bowlers have also claimed that his bowling action puts a lot of stress on his back and risks a lot of injury issues. Whether he will be able to play in the longest format of the sport for a long time is a question that only he can answer.
“The happiness of ODI or T20s is mostly for one day, but this will stay for long. I try to focus on my body and keep it simple. I keep all my fitness aspects in control, sleep on time and have a good diet. Sometimes when you get tired, you might end up bowling too fast and I’m trying to evolve and be more accurate,” he added.
