I don't really pay attention to outside noise: Jasprit Bumrah

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah picked up 7th five-wicket haul of his Test career in the ongoing game against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. His figures of 5/42 helped India restrict the hosts to 210 runs in the first innings and eke out a slender lead of 13 runs. However, the visitors missed Bumrah’s menace in the Johannesburg Test which they lost defending 240 runs in the fourth innings.

Many criticized the fast bowler for conceding too many runs. He was taken for 70 runs in 17 overs in the second innings and couldn’t pick a wicket either. Even in the first innings, Bumrah scalped only a solitary scalp. But the 28-year-old wasn’t worried about the criticism and he responded well to pick up a fifer at the same venue where he made his debut four years ago.

“Nothing out of ordinary and I wasn’t giving extra attention. I was not really too angry and I was focussed on the present and did what I had to,” he said while speaking in the press conference after the end of day’s play.

Criticism or praise doesn’t bother me much, says Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah further stated that he doesn’t react to either criticism or even the praise. He believes in doing what is in his control which is bowling well and results will take care of it. However, he also understands that wickets won’t come as expected on some days.

“There will be doubters and there will be people praising you and that is something that an individual has to decide. I don’t really pay attention to outside noise as it doesn’t really help. When I bowl, I have it in my control and I try to bring in my perspective towards bowling, try to avoid what’s going on, may be some people might like my bowling and some people might not,” he added.

As far as the Test match is concerned, the decider is nicely poised with India ending Day 2 at 57/2 with an overall lead of 70 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli are battling it out in the middle and the visitors will be keen on batting South Africa out of the game.