Jasprit Bumrah feels being abusive does not mean aggression
India’s medium pacer Jasprit Bumrah said that though aggression is an important factor while playing, it does not mean that one has to abuse the batsman to prove it. Bumrah, who is currently playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL also revealed how the behaviour had affected his game earlier.
In an interview with the Hindustan Times, the 22-year old said, "You have to tell the batsman that you are always on top of your game. But you don’t need to abuse the batsmen. You can give him that stare but abusing is not on. I don’t go and do stupid stuff in front of the batsman. I used to do that. In my early days I used to be very aggressive, get really angry but ultimately it affected my bowling. But now I know. Aggression should be inside."
The Ahmedabad-born bowler, who has sealed his spot in the national limited-overs side said he enjoys the challenges that come his way. He has been India's go-to bowler, especially in crisis situations. "There’s always pressure when you bowl those crucial overs but I enjoy that challenge. If you do well then you can take your team home," he said, adding that apart from the fact that it moulds him as a player, it also gives him an added responsibility.
Bumrah, who came to limelight during India's tour of Australia, was lauded by skipper MS Dhoni, who called him "the find of the tour". He clinched nine wickets playing five matches at an economy of 6.86 down under. He said that he does not think too much about the praises and just focuses on how to prepare for the future games.
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He broke into the IPL on a high, picking six wickets in the first three games at an economy of 7.40. He also pulled off a three-wicket haul in MI's match against Rising Pune Supergiants on May 1 and played a key role in constructing the side's victory. However, the defending champions are still struggling to book their play-offs berth and are currently in the fifth spot on the points table.
On being asked if he is bothered about people branding him as a T20 player, he said, "It doesn’t matter to me. I know where I stand because I have done well in Ranji Trophy too. I have played four-day matches for India A in Australia so I have the belief since I have done well over there. So it doesn’t matter what people think," adding that he also looks forward to performing well in the long format of the game.
Bumrah, who achieved his career-best seventh position in ICC T20 rankings in April earlier this year, also credited his family for his humble upbringing and success.