A Helping Hand From Kiwi Land

Jasprit Bumrah was spotted by John Wright at the B ground at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera and picked by Mumbai Indians. The six years since have seen a steady and spectacular rise.

- G. Viswanath

Jasprit Bumrah is a story of a serendipitous find and stirring deeds. Initially teammates, opponents, umpires, spectators and the media looked at his unusual and awkward action with curiosity. There was many a doubting Thomas who felt that biomechanics would find everything wrong with his arm action and that the laws of cricket would come down hard on him. But not a bit careworn by sceptical eyes and public utterances, Bumrah has made a triumphant march.

True gem

Just into his seventh year of competitive cricket, and fourth year in international cricket, the speed merchant from Gujarat has been accorded the status of world class in all formats. Gujarat bowling coach Hitesh Majumdar goes to the extent of saying that Bumrah has on a number of occasions in the Ranji Trophy matches made batsmen quiver in their boots, clocking high speeds with regularity, making the ball curve in the air and manipulating the seam skilfully.

Once Bumrah made a big impact and collected a bagful of wickets in major domestic competitions, events began to unfold at a fast clip for him. He began to feature in India’s fast-lane action with the shining red ball and the white. He was capped by India in blue and then in flannels. In a short span of three years, he has turned out to be exceptional, getting his chance to play in the Test series in South Africa, England and Australia.