Following a magnificent bowling display in the current first Test match against England at Leeds, star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah blasted the detractors for their incessant discussion of his workload and injuries. The 31-year-old concluded with statistics of 5/83 in 24.4 overs, smashing several records with his five-wicket haul in the first innings.
Bumrah’s twelve five-wicket hauls in away Test matches tied the record held by the great all-rounder Kapil Dev. In SENA nations, he also became the first bowler from Asia to take 150 Test wickets.
Despite his consistently great performances throughout the years, Bumrah’s injury concerns have frequently been a hot topic among analysts and fans. The Indian think tank had predicted that the champion seamer will only play three of the five Test matches in the England series because to his most recent back problem, which occurred in Australia.
Jasprit Bumrah responded to the story during the press conference at the conclusion of Day 3 by saying (via ESPN Cricinfo):
“I always wanted to play for India. I played for India on my belief. I have played every format on my belief. I have always heard no from people. First they said you won’t be able to play, then they said you will last only six months, then they said you will last only eight months, and just like that I have spent 10 years in international cricket listening to all this. I have played the IPL for 12-13 years.”
Jasprit Bumrah
He added:
“Even now people keep saying this injury will be it. Keep waiting, I will not think about that. I will keep doing my work. Every three-four months there will be headlines, but let’s see, I will play till it is in my destiny. I prepare my best, and leave the rest to god. Whatever barkat [abundance or good fortune] god has given me, I try to carry it forward, and try to take Indian cricket forward.”
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s most recent five-wicket haul was his fourth against England overall, his third in Test cricket, and his fourteenth in the format.
“I understand that using my name in the headline boosts the viewership” – Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah blasted the different headlines regarding his injuries and how they may lead to the derailment of the rest of his career. The 31-year-old, despite the mindblowing statistics, has been sent to the stands due to his fitness woes a couple of times throughout his career.
“I can’t control what people write. Nor am I trying to teach people what to write and what not to write about me. Everybody is free to write what they want. I understand cricket is very popular in our country, and I understand that using my name in the headline boosts the viewership. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter to me. Because if I let it get into my head, I will start believing it. I need my beliefs and my ways to dictate how I go. Not the way others want me to play.”
Jasprit Bumrah
Meanwhile, the first India-England Test is tied after three days of frantic action. After taking a six-run lead in the first innings, India is now batting at 90/2 and up by 96 runs in the second innings.
