Few players have seen as meteoric a rise in international cricket as Jasprit Bumrah. He made his ODI and T20I debut in 2016 and within a year he was the go-to bowler on the national side. In 2018, Bumrah made his Test debut and was soon spearheading the pace attack.
One of his impressive attributes has been his calmness and composure – something that must have been kept in mind by the selectors when they elevated him to the Test vice-captaincy recently.
Jasprit Bumrah is also barely seen celebrating his wickets animatedly like some other fast bowlers do. The 28-year-old recalled that he used to celebrate excitedly when he was younger. However, with maturity and experience, he has toned down those celebrations – and there’s more overly just a beaming smile on his face and a punch in the air.
Jasprit Bumrah reckoned his primary aim is to focus on the game, and save his energies as he could celebrate as much as he wants to after the game.
“Jab main chhota tha main bahut celebration karta tha, overexcited hota tha aur main actually plan bhi karta tha apne celebrations (When I was young, I used to celebrate a lot. I used to get overexcited and actually plan my celebration),” Bumrah said in a virtual press conference ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
“So I try to focus on the job at hand and yes when the game is over and the team has won then there’s ample time to celebrate. So till the time my job is not done, my focus is on making the team win.”
Rohit Sharma will lead India in Test cricket for the first time on Friday against the Lankans at the Inderjit Singh Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Bumrah has been appointed his Rohit’s deputy.
The pacer, though, reckoned that the destination doesn’t change much of his role as a senior member he would want to contribute in any way possible.
“I don’t look at it as a particular position, like a spinner or a fast bowler, or that batter is a leader. As a senior member of the team, you have to help the players in whatever capacity you can. As I have spoken earlier For me it is just a post. Yes, it is a great opportunity that has presented itself, and I am very happy to do that,” Jasprit Bumrah said.
