NEW DELHI: India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah couldn't help but laugh at the drastic shift in narratives about his career over the past year. Once doubted for his ability to return to form following a lower back stress fracture, Bumrah has now firmly reestablished himself as one of the world's leading fast bowlers.
In 2022, Bumrah underwent surgery for a lower back stress fracture, causing him to miss the T20 World Cup in Australia. Just before his comeback, he suffered a strain, leading to an absence of more than ten months. This led to widespread skepticism about his capacity to manage the workload of playing in three formats.
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However, Bumrah has silenced his critics with his performances in the last one year.
"See a year ago, the same people were saying that I might not play again and my career is over and then now the question changed," Bumrah said, addressing those who doubted his resilience and determination.
Bumrah's return to form has been a masterclass in handling pressure and focusing on the controllables. "I am not looking at whether I am bowling at the best of my ability. I try to solve the problem that is there in front of me," he explained. "I know it's a cliched answer... but I was trying to focus on what is the best option over here on a wicket like this."
Avoiding external pressure has been key to his success. "Because if I look at the outside noise, if I look at people and pressure and emotion takes over, then things don't really work for me," the 30-year-old said.
Despite the challenges of the IPL, where bowlers faced tough conditions, Bumrah and the Indian bowling unit have adapted well to the T20 World Cup pitches. "Obviously, the IPL that we played was not very bowler-friendly but we are very happy that we didn't come here with that baggage," Bumrah noted.
Bumrah's deep understanding with captain Rohit Sharma, developed over years of playing together for Mumbai Indians, has been crucial. "We were very clear the message in the huddle was that now that is over, what is next? What are the things that are in our control? So, we will try to focus on that and not to create panic," he said.
1/9:T20 World Cup: Bumrah delivers as India beat Pakistan in low-scoring thriller
AFP
2/9:India beat Pakistan in New York
Jasprit Bumrah was the hero as India beat Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring T20 World Cup thriller in New York on Sunday.AP
3/9:Bumrah's Heroics
India were bowled out by Pakistan for 119 in 19 overs. Defending the small total, Bumrah delivered crucial wickets and his 3-14 in four overs proved decisive as Pakistan fell just short ending on 113-7.ANI
4/9:Crowd Excitement
Despite a tricky batting surface that made batting difficult, a crowd of 34,028, a record attendance for an international cricket match in the USA, were given a tight contest that ebbed and flowed.AFP
5/9:Pakistan's Chase
Naseem Shah made a valiant effort, hitting the fourth and fifth balls of the last over for fours but India avoided any late drama to secure their second win of the tournament.ANI
6/9:Bumrah's Crucial Wickets
Bumrah picked up the vital wicket of Pakistan captain Babar Azam (13) and Mohammad Rizwan (31). Then, in the penultimate over, Bumrah conceded just three runs and removed Iftikhar Ahmed with his final ball.AP
7/9:Final Over Drama
<b>That left Pakistan needing 18 from the final over, a steep task on a difficult batting surface and it got more tricky when Arshdeep Singh dismissed Imad Wasim with the first ball.</b>AFP
8/9:Pakistan's Tough Loss
For Pakistan, their loss, coming after the shock defeat to the USA, leaves them without a point and with a lot of work to do against Canada and Ireland if they are to fight their way into the Super Eight stage.AP
9/9:Rain Interruption
Rain delayed the start of the game, played in front of a packed 34,000 fans, the majority of whom were backing tournament favourites India.AFPIn low-scoring matches, maintaining composure is essential. "If we go for magic deliveries and try to be too desperate, run-making becomes easy and they know the target. So, we had to be very mindful of not overdoing it," Bumrah explained.
Bumrah's advocacy for bowlers reflects his appreciation for the often under-recognized contributions of his peers. "I always advocate bowlers, but we're very happy with the appreciation that bowlers have received because our country is obviously a batsman-loving country and we understand but we are very happy that bowlers are coming up front," he said.
With this victory, India leads Group A with two wins from two games, while Pakistan's chances of advancing look slim.
(With inputs from PTI)
