Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, credited with mastering the yorker, attributes his inspiration to legendary bowlers Waqar Younus, Wasim Akram, and Zaheer Khan, whom he watched on television during his formative years. His yorker against Ollie Pope became the highlight of a Test match against England, where Bumrah secured nine wickets, significantly contributing to India’s 106-run victory and leveling the Test series at 1-1.
Bumrah revealed that he learned the yorker while playing with a tennis ball and honed the skill by closely observing the execution of the cricketing legends on TV. Despite his outstanding performance, Bumrah downplayed personal statistics during the post-match presentation, emphasizing his focus on contributing to the team’s success.
During the post-match presentation, he said,
“The yorker was the first delivery I learnt. While playing with the tennis ball, I learnt it. I saw on the television Waqar, Wasim and Zaheer execute it and I learnt it,”
During the match, Bumrah dismissed key English players, showcasing his effectiveness in India’s pace bowling attack. When questioned about being seen as a leader in the pace bowling department, Bumrah humbly stated that he doesn’t consider himself a leader but feels a responsibility to share his knowledge with younger players.
Bumrah’s dedication to continuous learning and his role in guiding younger players highlight his commitment to the team’s success during a transitional period. His acknowledgement of the importance of adaptability based on match situations and conditions underscores his cricketing intelligence.
“I don’t look at numbers. When I was young, I looked at numbers and got excited. But I don’t look at it now. It gives extra baggage. The important thing was to win and I’m happy with it,” he said.
“Not a leader. But I feel I have played a good amount of cricket as we are in a transition period. So, I feel it’s my responsibility to give the youngsters knowledge.”
As India and England gear up for the third Test in Rajkot starting on February 15, Bumrah’s form and leadership within the pace attack will likely play a crucial role. The upcoming matches present an opportunity for Bumrah and the Indian team to build on their success and further establish their dominance. His humility and focus on team contributions set a positive example for aspiring cricketers, emphasizing the collective spirit within the squad.
Bumrah’s evolution as a key player reflects the dynamic nature of cricket and the impact of global influences on players’ skills and techniques. Fans eagerly anticipate Bumrah’s performances in the upcoming matches as India and England continue their battle in the Test series.
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