During the thrilling T20 World Cup match in New York, where India successfully defended a modest score of 119 against Pakistan on a challenging pitch, the cricketing community has been abuzz with praise for Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling skills. Despite his unconventional run-up and action, Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, managed to tightly control the Pakistani batsmen, delivering a memorable performance (4-0-14-3) that will be admired for years. Interestingly, Bumrah's unique bowling style was initially criticized by many, including former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who doubted his longevity after a significant back injury. Akhtar had expressed concerns about the stress on the back from such an action, comparing Bumrah's situation to other fast bowlers who struggled post-injury. However, since his return in August after a year-long recovery, Bumrah has shown no signs of struggle, baffling batsmen with his relentless pace and unchanged action. His impressive stats since returning from injury include 68 wickets in 27 matches across all formats, and a notable performance in the 2024 IPL where he was Mumbai Indians' standout performer with 20 wickets in 13 matches. Experts from the UAE cricket scene, like coach Gopal Jasapara and international bowler Zahoor Khan, have observed Bumrah's meticulous approach to managing his fitness and workload, which has been crucial to his successful comeback. Khan, who has trained with Bumrah, praised his hard work and humility, highlighting Bumrah's continuous efforts to improve his skills and adapt to different conditions, making him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.06.2024
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