'He loved burgers, pizzas, milkshakes...': Former India bowling coach reveals how Jasprit Bumrah 'gave up everything overnight to improve his performance'

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun lavished praise on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his dedication towards the game. Bumrah is arguably one of the best bowlers for India in all formats, and his journey to becoming India’s premier fast bowler has been shaped as much by his discipline off the field as his skill on it.

Bharat Arun recalled how Bumrah gave up on his favourite junk food overnight to fully commit to the game and improve his performance.

“In 2013, Bumrah had come to the NCA for an Under-19 camp and pitched for selection. He couldn’t make the team, but he was in the 30-member camp at the National Cricket Academy,” Arun said on the latest episode of Bombay Sport

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Jasprit Bumrah's bowling action

Bumrah's bowling action is unique and highly effective with a short, stuttering run-up and an explosive, whippy release. Just like other fast bowlers, he generates pace without a long stride or high jump, relying instead on his hyperextended arm, quick wrist snap, and front-on action for accuracy and deception. His lower and angled release made it tough for the batters to pick up the ball early.

Arun also revealed that they tried to change Bumrah's bowling action as well, but then they felt there was no point in changing that.

“In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodeled, but then the action was great, the ball was not going quick. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective? He could bowl quick, and so we had a discussion with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn’t want to touch his action because it’s very unique and generates a lot of pace. But it also puts him under stress.”

Arun revealed how Bumrah responded to the challenge: “We called him and told him: to take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices. In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, and he was working out in the gym. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, and milkshakes.

Bumrah's recent outing came in the five-Test match series of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where he played three Tests to manage his workload. The speedster will now be seen featuring in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.