Jasprit Bumrah, period! To the modern generation of scribes, fans, and cricket viewers, the legends of Don Bradman, Vivian Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, and even Sachin Tendulkar exist mostly through YouTube videos, archival footage, and the tales spun by parents, historians, and senior journalists. In contrast, Virat Kohli’s journey is a more tangible narrative—one that began in front of our eyes, evolving from a budding cricketer into one of the greatest of all time. However, there’s a unique thrill in witnessing a fast bowler ascend the heights of greatness and dictate terms in a game largely advantageous to batters.
When a slender, lanky Bumrah first surfaced 11 years ago, few could have imagined the respect and greatness he would garner, even from elite batters worldwide. Watching the greats operate seems effortless—they exude an aura suggesting that they could win elections without campaigning, fly without a parachute, or dive deep without a life jacket. Witnessing such greatness is akin to seeing someone at the peak of their power, exercising their skill with an almost casual ease. The moments they perform, we, the admirers, can only feel privileged to witness their craft in the rawness of reality.
Bumrah’s story offers even more layers. Representing India, his performances often evoke deep emotions and a patriotic fervor brimming just below the surface. The stakes multiply exponentially when India faces Pakistan, transforming from just another cricket match to a trial of national pride. A World Cup game against Pakistan tops the list, presenting a stage where reputations are cemented or shattered. During such a high-octane encounter, Bumrah mastered the field as if it were a casual game in his backyard.
A recurrent back stress fracture, subsequent surgery, and an endless cycle of rehab once cast dark clouds over Bumrah’s future. Not only was his role as a three-format bowler for India in jeopardy, but his entire career seemed on the brink. Yet, true to the adage, “the comeback is always bigger than the setback,” Bumrah’s resurgence stands testament to his mettle.
From the ODI World Cup last year to the Test series against South Africa, the England Test series, the entire IPL, and now the T20 World Cup, Bumrah’s journey has been among the most compelling narratives in recent Indian cricket history.
. Minor adjustments to his action, stride, and delivery point have liberated him from the albatross of his injury. Aligning his head more accurately with his front foot helps him maintain balance and avoid undue stress on his back.
A fit Bumrah arguably ranks as the finest pacer India has ever produced. While such opinions are debatable, his performances have often seemed superhuman. Watching him dominate, dismantling batting line-ups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner regardless of conditions, adversaries, or match situations, is awe-inspiring. He simply delivers. Indeed, he is fallible—sometimes it doesn’t feel like it—but he is continually learning, always striving, always adhering to his process.
Sunday’s game was emblematic of his approach. Analyzing the highlights of his 24-ball spell, one notes the limited attempts at yorkers; some turned into full tosses, notably in his last over. Having played at the venue before, Bumrah tailored his strategy to hard lengths throughout his spell, targeting the 6-8 meter area and allowing the pitch to assist, occasionally mixing in a bouncer or a change in pace but never deviating from his plan.
Bumrah’s disciplined approach yielded immense success, claiming the prized wickets of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed. These dismissals significantly hurt Pakistan’s chase, which culminated six runs short of India’s modest total of 119. Beyond his skills as a bowler, Bumrah’s work ethic and intellectual approach to the game are noteworthy. Each time he speaks, it’s akin to a professor explaining the nuances of a complex subject.
Jasprit Bumrah is indeed a once-in-a-generation cricketer. It is imperative for the team management and physios to ensure that this generation can savor the joy of watching him run in and bowl for many more years.
