At a recent Express Adda event held in Ahmedabad, Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah opened up about his views on aggression in sports, why he believes bowlers make better captains, and how he manages the ups and downs of fame and fan expectations.
Redefining Aggression
During the conversation with Sandeep Dwivedi, National Sports Editor of The Indian Express, and Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, Bumrah shared his unique perspective on aggression. He explained that aggression doesn’t always mean being angry or overly intense on the field. For Bumrah, aggression can take many forms, and it’s more about being mentally strong and focused rather than just showing outward anger.
The World's Best Bowler?
When asked about being considered one of the world’s best bowlers, Bumrah humbly responded that such titles are not for him to decide. He revealed that he has always believed in his abilities, even from the beginning of his career. Confidence, he said, is key, and if he doesn’t believe in himself, no one else will. Bumrah's love for fast bowling started at a young age, driven by his desire to make his team win.
T20 Cricket: A Bowler’s Game?
As a strong advocate for bowlers, Bumrah discussed his views on the popular belief that T20 cricket is primarily a batsman’s game. While acknowledging that India has a deep love for its star batsmen, he emphasized that bowlers are just as crucial in driving the game forward. Growing up watching Test cricket, Bumrah considers it the greatest format, believing that success in Test cricket naturally translates into success in other formats.
No Bias Towards Batsmen
Bumrah also addressed the perception that batsmen receive more attention than bowlers. He clarified that within the team, there is no distinction between a batsman and a bowler—everyone has the same goal: to help the team win. While fans may naturally gravitate towards certain players, particularly batsmen, Bumrah has never felt the need to demand more recognition for bowlers. His inspiration comes from watching successful bowlers, and he remains focused on contributing to the team rather than seeking the spotlight.
Influences and Unconventional Training
Reflecting on his early years, Bumrah shared that he didn’t receive much formal training, partly due to his mother’s insistence that he complete his education before fully committing to cricket. His cricketing education came mostly from watching television, where he would imitate bowlers who took wickets. Over time, these imitations helped him develop his own unique bowling style. Interestingly, Bumrah revealed that he is ambidextrous and used to experiment with left-arm bowling, although the pace difference was noticeable.
The Art of Bowling Yorkers
Bumrah’s journey with the yorker, one of his signature deliveries, began by watching television. For him, the yorker had a cinematic appeal that made it exciting to learn. As he progressed in serious cricket, he realized that the yorker was a valuable skill, but he also understood the importance of not relying solely on one type of delivery.
Jasprit Bumrah’s insights at the Express Adda event provide a deeper understanding of the mindset and discipline required to excel at the highest levels of cricket. His perspective on aggression, leadership, and the role of bowlers in the game adds a refreshing voice to the ongoing dialogue about the sport.