Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has criticized batsmen for accumulating runs on flat pitches, arguing that bowlers are doing the “hard job.” He expressed frustration with the prevalence of batting-friendly wickets in contemporary cricket.
As one of the most challenging bowlers to face in modern cricket, Bumrah is widely regarded as the top all-format bowler in the world. Despite the favorable conditions for batting, Bumrah remains exceptionally effective. His arsenal includes a deadly yorker and a classic slower ball, making him a formidable opponent for any batter.
Jasprit Bumrah tears apart the batsmen for performing only on flat pitches
During an event hosted by The Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah openly discussed the difficulties bowlers encounter in contemporary cricket.
Addressing the topic of bowlers potentially becoming captains, Bumrah highlighted that bowling is physically demanding, which is why batters are often chosen for captaincy roles. The 30-year-old also cited examples of bowlers who have successfully led their teams, demonstrating that it is indeed possible for bowlers to excel in leadership positions.
“Because bowlers are doing the hard job. They are not hiding behind a bat. They are not hiding behind a flat wicket. When you lose a game, bowlers are blamed. It is a hard job. I take a lot of pride doing that job. You have to face a lot of challenges. Because of these challenges, bowlers find new ways to succeed,” Bumrah said at the event.
“Fighting the odds make you a lot braver, leadership needs you to be brace. We have seen Pat Cummins doing really well. I have seen Wasim Akram captaining. Kapil Dev and Imran Khan have won a World Cup. Bowlers are the smart ones. Sometimes, physically it is stressful, that’s why leadership goes to batters. In my opinion, bowlers are the smart ones,” the fast bowler added.
“I feel the bowlers are the smart people” – Jasprit Bumrah
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20I cricket, India underwent leadership changes, appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain and naming Shubman Gill as vice-captain for both white-ball formats.
When questioned about his own candidacy for captaincy, Bumrah stated that such decisions were beyond his control. He emphasized that bowlers face increasing challenges as batting skills improve and grounds get smaller, highlighting the demanding nature of their role.
“I cannot go to the team and tell, now you have to make me captain. It is above my pay grade. I feel the bowlers are the smart people, as we have to get the batters out. We are always fighting the odds as the ground are shorter, the bats are better. I don’t remember any article or technology coming to swing the ball a lot more. People enjoy the ball being thrown around and enjoy sixes being hit,” Bumrah said.
Jasprit Bumrah played a vital role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph last month. The 30-year-old picked up 15 wickets in just 8 matches at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of just 4.17.
