Just last year, India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah faced intense criticism with many questioning his return to cricket. Recovering from a back injury that required surgery, Bumrah big tournaments and cricketing action, including the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship final. Doubts swirled about his future and possibility to return to peak form. However, Bumrah silenced his critics with a remarkable comeback. His return began with a strong performance on the Ireland tour and continued to shine in the Asia Cup 2023, Test series against England, and now in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2024. This impressive run culminated in a breathtaking spell by Bumrah against arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on June 9. Bumrah's exceptional bowling, claiming three crucial wickets for just 14 runs in four overs, proved instrumental in India's stunning win over Pakistan despite posting their lowest-ever T20I total. i.e 119 runs.
Bumrah's hard-hitting reply to critics after leading India to victory over Pakistan
Bumrah, while taking an aim at his critics at the post-match press conference, said:
"See a year ago, the same people were saying that I might not play again and my career is over and then now the question changed," Bumrah said in the post-match press conference.
Discussing his bowling against Pakistan, Bumrah downplayed the talks around individual performance. He explained that his focus was on executing the best bowling plans for the challenging New York wicket, prioritising solutions over personal glory, especially while defending a modest target.
"I am not looking at whether I am bowling at the best of my ability. I try to solve the problem that is there in front of me," he explained. "I know it's a cliched answer... but I was trying to focus on what is the best option over here on a wicket like this," he added.
Despite the intense pressure, the 30-year-old Bumrah kept a cool head. In the second-last over, a crucial moment in the match, he conceded only three runs and even managed to pick up the vital wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed. Later, he spoke about his approach to staying focused and unfazed by the external pressure.
"Because if I look at the outside noise, if I look at people and pressure and emotion takes over, then things don't really work for me," the 30-year-old said.
The bowling-friendly conditions in the T20 World Cup are a welcome change for Jasprit Bumrah compared to the flat tracks he encountered during this year's IPL. In New York, Bumrah seems to be relishing the opportunity to utilize his skills more effectively.
"Obviously, the IPL that we played was not very bowler-friendly but we are very happy that we didn't come here with that baggage," Bumrah concluded.
Bumrah's next goal will be to help India gun down USA on June 12 and cruise into the Super 8 stage in style.
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