“As a bowling unit, we are in transition so it’s my job…”: Bumrah Justifies India’s Bowling Efforts

Jasprit Bumrah has been nothing short of a revelation for Indian cricket. His performance in the ongoing Test series against Australia has once again highlighted his value, not only as a wicket-taker but also as a mentor to a bowling unit in transition. In the current Test series against Australia, he has bagged an impressive 17 wickets at an average of 10.66, a figure that clearly overshadows the rest of the bowling unit. Bumrah’s strike rate of 28.1 is nearly double as effective compared to his teammates’ average of 64.9.

Comparison with the Rest of the Bowling Attack

While Bumrah thrives, the rest of the bowling unit has struggled. Their combined performance of 19 wickets at an average of 39.36 underscores a significant gap. But Bumrah has consistently refrained from pointing fingers, emphasizing the collective journey over individual metrics.

Adapting to different pitch conditions across the globe, Bumrah has grown into a complete bowler. He sees challenges, such as the unique run-up requirements at the Gabba, as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. This mentality keeps him a step ahead of his opponents.

Bumrah said, “We have 11 players. I don’t look at it that I have to do extra. We are a new team, a lot of new players have come into the side. We have to be considerate and give them that cushion that they will learn from experience. Nobody is born with all the experiences, nobody is born with all the skills. You keep learning, you keep finding new ways you keep learning about your own game.”

Bumrah added, “I always find different challenges very interesting. Because in the Test match that we played in Perth, the wicket was different. Adelaide pink ball was different, the wicket behaved differently, the ball behaved differently. Here it is a little different because the wicket is at a level and the run-up is low. In India, we are not used to that. I look at how do I solve it, what can I do in this scenario rather than whinging or complaining or looking at someone else or pointing fingers that I need this from this person.”

The Struggles of the Indian Bowling Unit

It’s evident that India’s bowling unit is in transition. The lack of experience has led to inconsistent performances, but the team remains optimistic under Bumrah’s guidance. Mohammed Siraj’s struggles highlight the demanding nature of international cricket. Despite a lingering niggle, Siraj has shown unwavering dedication, a trait praised by Bumrah and the team. His resilience, combined with Bumrah’s mentorship, promises better results in the future.

“I cannot carry someone else’s energy or baggage that people are expecting me to do the heavy-lifting. There will be days when I will not get wickets. Somebody else will do, so I will have to do a holding job,” said Bumrah.

Bumrah as a Mentor and Team Player

Bumrah’s role isn’t just about taking wickets; it’s about building a culture of confidence. His one-on-one discussions with young bowlers like Siraj focus on resilience and a positive mindset. Bumrah believes in sharing responsibility rather than letting it weigh heavily on individual players. His approach is simple: deliver your best and accept the outcomes, knowing the team has your back.

Bumrah defended Siraj and said, “We (Siraj and I) have had conversations but this was the conversation he had with me before we came here (Brisbane). When we came here in Perth, as well as the last game, he looked in very good spirits. He was bowling well and he has picked up a fair few of the wickets. In this game, I will give him credit that he had a little bit of a niggle but he still kept on bowling and still helped the team because he knew if he goes inside and he doesn’t bowl, then that team will go under pressure.”

He added, “We don’t, as a team, point fingers at each other and we don’t want to get into that mindset where we are pointing fingers at each other that ‘you should do this, you should do that. As a bowling unit, as I said, we are in transition so it’s my job to help the others. I have played a little more than them so I am trying to help them. Everyone will learn through it, will get better and eventually will find different ways so this is the journey that you’ll have to go through.”

Weather Challenges in Gabba

The weather at the Gabba has been a double-edged sword. While it disrupted play, it also gave the team time to regroup. Bumrah’s insights on adapting to unique challenges have been instrumental in India’s strategy. Bumrah’s perspective on team-building emphasizes patience. He understands that growth comes with time and sees each game as an opportunity to refine strategies.