Mumbai: In a candid column, cricket star Cheteshwar Pujara has shared his unique experiences of playing alongside the formidable bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, from their early days in club cricket to their significant achievements on the international stage.
According to BBC, Pujara first encountered Bumrah when the latter was a teenager, long before he donned the Indian jersey. Even then, Bumrah stood out among his peers due to his exceptional pace, which surpassed that of established players. Pujara vividly recalls standing in the slips with fellow cricketers Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, all marveling at Bumrah’s distinct bowling style.
Pujara details how Bumrah's unorthodox action and wide crease position create unique challenges not only for batsmen but also for slip fielders. The angles he generates demand the wicketkeeper to adjust their positioning, which in turn requires slip fielders like Pujara to adapt accordingly.
Off the field, Bumrah is described as an introvert who enjoys solitude, often opting out of social gatherings. Despite this, Pujara and his teammates, including Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, would coax him into joining their PlayStation sessions, jesting that they wouldn’t catch for him if he didn’t participate.
Bumrah's growth as a bowler became evident during India's 2018 tour of England, where he debuted with the Dukes ball and showcased his ability to swing deliveries prodigiously. Pujara reminisces about a remarkable inswinger Bumrah bowled to Keaton Jennings, which left England's batsmen baffled.
Pujara highlights Bumrah's keen cricketing intellect, which he attributes to his experience in the IPL under the mentorship of Lasith Malinga. Always observant, Bumrah is noted for offering strategic insights in the dressing room, a quality that made him a contender for India’s captaincy before Shubman Gill’s appointment.
The column concludes with Pujara recounting a memorable moment during the 2018 England tour, where Bumrah’s resilient batting helped Pujara achieve a century. This incident, Pujara believes, encapsulates Bumrah's competitive spirit and unwavering belief in his abilities, whether with the bat or ball.