Jasprit Bumrah was onceAccuracyalways written off by pundits who thought his unconventional and injury-susceptible bowling action would cut short his career—within a mere eight to ten months.
Yet, almost a decade into his international career, the Indian speed ace has shown that it is his unshakeable confidence and dogged determination that have taken him this far.
After his 14th Test cricket five-wicket haul on Sunday, Bumrah discussed the mental approach driving his consistent success.
Asked if the persistent questions regarding his career after his injury ever get under his skin, Bumrah replied:
"Nobody can predict how long a player will be a top performer. People had told me in all these years (I would play only) eight months, some had said 10 months but now I have played 10 years of international cricket, 12-13 years of IPL." Even now they say (after each injury), he will be done, he is finished. Let them say, I shall do my work. Every four months these things will arise, but as long as almighty desires, I will play. I prepare my best, and then will leave it on God as to how much more blessings he will shower on me.
Bumrah, who took 5 for 83 in the first innings of England during the first Test, pointed out that image change has never been his intention.
"What others write is out of my control and I do not want to advise people on how to write about me. My name in headling gets audience but I do not get agitated by it."
He also assessed the pitch conditions, suggesting that while it remained favorable for batting, changes could be expected as the match progressed.
"At the moment quite good wicket to bat on. It is slightly two paced, no huge demons in wicket. Because of weather, new ball will swing but that is what you get in Test cricket. We want to get big total and get that buffer."
Even as India dropped a few catches on the field, Bumrah did not brood over the chances being wasted. Instead, he remained a forward-looking player, particularly aware of the burden on young players.
"Sure, for a second. But you get it that you can't just sit and weep, right? You must go on with the game. So, what I try to do is not take it too far in my mind and attempt and quickly forget it because they are all new to the game as well."
Occasionally the ball is hard to see and nobody is intentionally dropping the catch. Everyone is working very hard. It does occur. Therefore, I don't want to make a fuss or put extra pressure upon the fielder that I am upset, I am kicking the box or I am doing something. It's all right."
"It's part and parcel of the game. Naturally, if it (catches) would have been taken earlier, that's good, but people will learn from this experience," he said.
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