“Before Cricketer, I Am…”: On James Anderson Competition, Jasprit Bumrah’s Firm Reply

Veteran India pacer Jasprit Bumrah was deservedly named the player of the match as he emerged as the team’s wrecker-in-chief with the ball in the second Test against England in Vizag. Bumrah picked up a total of 9 wickets in the two innings, beating the double-centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal to the player of the match award. At the post-match presentation ceremony, Bumrah was reminded of that viral yorker he delivered to dismiss Ollie Pope in the first innings. As Harsha Bhogle told the India pacer that even the great Waqar Younis is talking about it, Bumrah gave a brilliant response.

At the start of the conversation, Bumrah was informed of his staggering statistics in India, even though the subcontinent pitches have favoured spinners more. The pacer gave a blunt response, saying he doesn’t care much about the numbers.

“As I said before, I don’t look at numbers. As a youngster, I did that and it made me excited. But now it’s an added baggage,” he said.

When Harsha informed Bumrah that the entire world, including Waqar Younis is talking about his yorker, he replied, “As a youngster that is the first delivery I learned (yorker). Had seen the legends of the game. Waqar, Wasim and even Zaheer Khan.”

“We’re going through a transition so I feel it’s my responsibility to help them in any way I can. We discuss certain things. Have been playing with him for a long period of time (Rohit),” he added.

When asked about competition with fellow pacer James Anderson, who is a legend of the game, Bumrah showed his humble side yet again, saying he doesn’t get into competition.

“No not really (competition with Jimmy?). Before a cricketer, I’m a fast bowling fan. If somebody’s doing well, kudos to them. I look at the situation, at the wicket and think what are my options. I should not be a one-trick pony,” he concluded.