Jasprit Bumrah: A Story of Resilience and Success

Facing and Overcoming Career Hurdles

Jasprit Bumrah has faced many challenges in his career. Yet, he has always bounced back stronger.

• Success with a unique bowling action? He made it possible.
• Playing in all three formats? He broke the mold.
• Becoming a star bowler in a batter-dominated country? He did it.
• Returning from injuries and performing well? He has done it repeatedly.

Silencing the Critics

Bumrah has always proved his critics wrong. In his last Test, he left the field due to a back issue. Many wondered about his comeback and performance. But Bumrah answered with a strong performance, taking 5 wickets for 83 runs.

His performance could have been even better. Despite his team’s struggles with catches, Bumrah stepped up. He dismissed England’s last batters, helping India maintain parity.

Without Bumrah, India could face challenges. He must now manage his body carefully and won’t play all five Tests in England. India needs to adapt and cope without him.

“I Play for India with Belief”

Bumrah is a unique bowler. His belief inspires his team. He says,

“I play for India with belief. I have played every format with belief. People have always told me ‘no’. First, they said I wouldn’t play, then I would last only six months, then eight. Now, I have spent 10 years in international cricket and 12-13 years playing IPL. People still say, ‘He will go now’. Well, they can keep waiting. I’m not going to think about that. I’ll just do my work. Every three-four months, news comes that I’m done. Let’s see. Till it is written in my destiny, I will play. I do my best preparation and leave the rest to God.”

While the team can’t replicate Bumrah’s skills, they must improve to support their star player better.

The Impact of Dropped Catches

Dropped catches affect India’s performance significantly. They impact more than just the runs scored by the batter.

The Game-Changing Moments

The pitch at Headingley wasn’t particularly helpful to bowlers. Yet, Bumrah created several chances. Each dropped catch meant more bowling for him.

On a helpful pitch, the next wicket might be close. On a batting pitch, each dropped chance has a bigger impact.

Bumrah had four catches dropped off his bowling. India could have had a 150-run lead instead of six. This situation reminds us of the MCG in 2024-25, where many drops led to Bumrah’s breakdown in the next Test.

Bumrah remains philosophical about the drops. “You can’t sit and cry, right? You have to move forward… Nobody drops catches on purpose. I don’t want to create a scene or put more pressure on the fielder… It’s okay, it’s part of the game.”

While Bumrah moves on, Team India must address the issue of dropped catches. It affects their game and could impact their most prized player in the long run.

The Bumrah Effect

If India wins the first Test, they will rely on Bumrah’s brilliance. But Bumrah doesn’t think about expectations.

“If I start playing based on others’ expectations, I carry a lot of baggage. That’s difficult. I ask myself every night, ‘Did I give my best?’ If the answer is yes, I go to sleep peacefully.”

With this mindset, Bumrah ensures a good night’s rest every day.