Always looking to add new things to my bowling, says Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been the X factor for India in T20 cricket

India’s new pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has been in the headlines ever since making his debut for the national team. With 28 wickets in his kitty this year, Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in T20Is in 2016. He has matured as a bowler with each game and is cited to be the next big thing of Indian cricket. His toe crushing yorkers in the death overs has been lethal and bowling them on a consistent basis has given MS Dhoni much-needed stability in the bowling line-up.

In a recent interview with India Today, Jasprit Bumrah spoke about his reading of the game and his journey in international cricket so far. Bumrah said it has been a great journey in the Indian dressing room thus far and it’s nothing but a dream to represent India.

“It has been a really good journey so far, a great experience. I have learnt with every match that I played, learning from the experienced players and how to go about it. Every youngster dreams to play for India and I have done that. The ride has been pretty good so far. Let’s hope it continues like this,” quoted Bumrah.

Speaking about his current form, the leading wicket-taker in T20Is this year said, he never thinks about the numbers and focuses on contributing to the team’s success. “Frankly speaking, I never think about the wickets that I have got, the numbers. I just try to contribute to the team’s success. I believe that whenever you think of the outcome, it doesn’t go your way. So, I just try to contribute in every possible way,” said the new bowling sensation.

The lethal toe crushing yorkers have been a potent weapon for Bumrah and he admitted of practising death bowling from a long time for his state and franchise teams. He also admitted that it’s nice to get acknowledged but doesn’t allow it to sink in.

“It feels good but I don’t pay too much attention to it. I have done a lot of death bowling for Mumbai Indians and also for Gujarat. I have a fair bit of idea and experience in that area now. I just try to improve my game, try to stick to my strengths and add new things to my bowling. That is the thing which will give me an advantage in the coming season. I do practice a lot on bowling yorkers and a whole lot of other deliveries in the nets. I repeat the same in a match. I go with a clear plan whenever I play.” said Bumrah.

When asked to recall his most memorable match in his career so far, Bumrah picked his debut match against Australia where he took two wickets. The Indian bowler also spoke about which dismissal was his most special. 

“Not just Gayle’s dismissal but every international wicket is special to me. But my debut match, against Australia, remains the most memorable moment till now. These days in international cricket, the batsmen know everything. I try to practice a lot of deliveries and try to stick to my strength. These are the things that are helping me. A bowler has to keep on inventing ways to get a wicket,” he said.

Unlike a bowler of his age, Bumrah is naturally calm and composed and stays away from controversies. He doesn’t like to talk too much and let his ball do the talking and admitted the same by saying he doesn’t like showing his aggression in verbal wars.

“Yes, I don’t try to show my aggression. I’ll always be aggressive but I try to use it to my advantage. I don’t show it to the batsmen and will never abuse them. I know if you take it in a proper direction, it will help you in the matches,” he added.

Skipper MS Dhoni has been backing Bumrah since his debut and he was quick to acknowledge this fact.

“It always gives you a good confidence that the captain is backing you. That really helps a youngster to express himself and perform well. The going has been good so far,” said Bumrah on Dhoni’s influence in his career.