Accolades doesn't bother me: Jasprit Bumrah

The year 2016 turned out to be quite an impressive year for India’s new pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah. Making both his ODI and T20 debut in Australia earlier this year, Bumrah has been impressive ever since. He is a kind of a bowler who doesn’t give an impression of bowling fast at his delivery stride but generates express pace with his unusual slinging action.

The 23-year-old youngster ended the year being the highest wicket taker for India in ODIs with 17 scalps in 8 matches and the highest wicket-taker in the world in T20Is with 28 wickets from 21 matches. Not only has he impressed in national colours, he had a terrific time in the domestic circuit too, bagging 17 wickets in 6 matches to help Gujarat to a dream run in the Ranji Trophy.

Giving him due credit for his performances, Cricket Australia included them in the T20 team of the year for the calendar year. In an exclusive chat with Mumbai Mirror, Bumrah fondly looked back at his promising debut year while keeping his focus despite receiving all the accolades. “If you say so (laughs). I am happy that I did fairly well. But it is just the start for me. I have just taken the first step. I want to stay fit and play long. I feel, I have a long way to go before I can look back and analyse my performance.”

He emphasised on the fact that all the accolades doesn’t bother him too much but said that he does feel honoured to be named in the same bracket with other greats of the game. “Honestly, I am not too much bothered about recognition nor I am worried what is written about me. There is no doubt that I do feel honoured. It is always an honour to be named alongside world’s best. But I don’t get carried away with accolades.”

Also read- Virender Sehwag wishes Joe Root in his own witty style

He said that though his ultimate dream is to represent India in the longest format of the game but doesn’t bother where he gets to play. He stated that his obvious dream was to represent India in Test cricket and consistent performances in Ranji Trophy will surely help him to realise his dreams.

“As I said before, I am not bothered by where I get to play. Of course, as a cricketer, I want to play the Test cricket. It is a dream of every cricketer to play the longest format of the game. But when I get a chance to play is something that is not in my hand. As a player, I am prepared for any challenge that come my way. Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game. Yes, I am focussed in earning my Test cap. And I am sure, consistent performance in the Ranji Trophy will help me realise my dream. But honestly, I am not worried too much about that,” Bumrah said.