A crafty fast bowler hurling thunderbolts on the turf, off it Jasprit Bumrah is as gentle as they come. His progress as a cricketer will shape the way India performs and travels not just in this World Cup but even beyond that.
Fast bowling memories culled from England and specifically linked to Indians often hark back to a June day in 1983. It was June 25th to be precise and please do tone down “fast” to “medium pace” and then in your mind’s eye an image will stir. Seamer Balwinder Singh Sandhu bowling, the ball pitching a shade outside off stump and, as the West Indian opener Gordon Greenidge shoulders arms, the delivery turns diabolical. Its radar adjusts and the red cherry darts back and crashes into the stumps. Sandhu jumps, claps his hands and India is on its way to win the World Cup.
The new generation
Now leap across decades and as another World Cup — the 12th edition at that — moves across England, India is back in the picture. Virat Kohli’s men are one of the favourites and their strengths, besides the usual batting phalanx, gain an extra edge thanks to a remarkable bowling arsenal. India’s speed merchants can be ranked with the best in the globe and in Jasprit Bumrah, India has perhaps the finest pace bowler. His support cast of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami is equally adept, and with wrist spinners leggie YuzvendraChahal and chinaman Kuldeep Yadav manning the middle overs, Kohli has an ideal blend to rely upon. Reputations can either be the edifices that last or the pressure mask that chokes. Thankfully for India, its spearhead Bumrah has a clear head, rousing pace, precise variations and an “I can bowl all day” spirit. A long run-up that commences as extended winnowing steps finally culminates in an explosive whirl of legs and arms before the back arches and the ball is released. Usually the batsman struggles as Bumrah delivers from a height and that generates steep bounce, and often his arc is one that angles in and the willow-wielder has to play.
Auspicious start
Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2019 de Sportstar.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2019 de Sportstar.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Tokyo Marathon Cancelled For Amateurs On Coronavirus Fears
Organisers in Japan cancelled the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.
Right Criteria To Pick The Tennis GOAT
What should the criteria be? What weight should be attached to each criterion? And what should not be considered as valid criteria?
The making of a batting behemoth
If Steve Smith dominated the Ashes in England in a dramatic, blockbuster fashion then his like for like a replacement, Marnus Labuschagne, is the Next Big Thing after an exciting summer of run-glut.
WHEN ACES WERE REWARDED...
It was an evening of nostalgia and celebration when the Sportstar Aces awards were given away in Mumbai.
A question of recognition
After a week of awards, one wonders if it’s only a departed player that one will be named after.
Thinking straight, thinking right!
“A lot depends on when I am bowling and what is required from me. That’s something I do when I play for India and I try to follow the same thing in the domestic circuit,” says Yuzvendra Chahal.
The Big Three and the Next Gen
Though the Big Three are very unlikely to retire during the same year, Judy Murray, mother of Andy, echoed the sentiments of many fans worried about the impact of their departures.
WAKING UP TO MENTAL HEALTH
Sport at large and cricket specifically has taken an inordinately long time to address the elephant in the room — the dark abyss of depression.
Like sunshine in a gloomy dressing room
Bangladesh quick Abu Jayed Rahi is new in the red-ball arena, but his swing brings back old memories — of James Anderson on green tops.
The league of the masses
With traditional clubs locking horns with the hard-working nurseries of the game, the I-League will continue to keep the beating heart of Indian football alive despite official apathy.
