(AP Photo)
Jasprit Bumrah has decisively silenced any doubts about his effectiveness since his return from back surgery, showcasing a string of top-notch performances across various formats. Following a lengthy hiatus from competitive cricket between September 2022 and August 2023 due to a persistent back injury that required surgery in New Zealand, questions lingered over whether Bumrah could reclaim his previous form.
However, the fears were swiftly dispelled as Bumrah not only retained his trademark bite and pace but also reaffirmed his status as one of India’s finest fast bowlers. His contributions were pivotal in events like the 2023 ODI World Cup, the home Test series against England earlier this year, IPL 2024, and the recent T20 World Cup, where he consistently asserted his dominance.
India’s outgoing bowling coach Paras Mhambrey even hailed Bumrah as a once-in-a-generation talent, underscoring his unparalleled impact on the game.
“I feel Bumrah is a freak,” Mhambrey told The Hindu. “He is once-in-a-generation-bowler that this game has seen. If you look at each and every format — T20, he is up there, one-dayers he is up there, even Test cricket, he is right up there.”
Mhambrey deflects any praise for Bumrah’s on-field performances.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to take credit, saying that I have told Bumrah: ‘this is the way we need to go. This is what you need to bowl’ you know. But I wish I can take that credit,” Mhambrey quipped.
“But the credit completely goes to him. Just the way he just bounced back from that injury, was heartening to see. I haven’t seen many people going through a back surgery, coming back and being as or may be more effective than what he was earlier,” he added.
Mhambrey is ending his tenure on a high note with the T20 World Cup as his final assignment as India’s bowling coach. He acknowledges Bumrah’s commendable role in mentoring the younger bowlers.
“There is lot of maturity out there, ready to willingly take responsibility in the team. He knows that his job is not only to go and win games for the country, which he does fabulously, but his role is a lot more to be the guiding light around the younger guys,” he said.
Arshdeep Singh, who shares the distinction of being the highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, shared a recent anecdote highlighting Jasprit Bumrah’s mentorship. He recalled a specific instance where Bumrah’s advice directly contributed to his success by guiding him to a crucial wicket.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mhambrey acknowledges the challenges he faced, noting that there were more difficult moments than successes. Nevertheless, he expresses deep satisfaction in concluding his stint with a World Cup victory.
“There may have been a lot of lows, less highs. But to be able to overcome that and just finish the term with the World Cup in what was my last assignment, to be able to finish with the win, I think that’s satisfying and rewarding. So exiting with happy memories and a lot of learnings,” he said.
