Playing Test cricket for India is a dream: Jasprit Bumrah

Team India’s death overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah has been considered a limited-overs specialist and a few experts are of the opinion to just reserve him for the shorter formats to preserve his talent. But Bumrah himself has this dream of playing Test cricket for India. Having completed a successful ODI series against the Kiwis he now returns to domestic cricket and is a part of the Gujarat team for their Ranji Trophy match against Bengal at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium that started today.

He wants to focus on the Ranji assignment at hand now and isn’t concerned about the selection. “I don’t think about selections. Wherever I am playing, I try to focus on that. I am always focusing on things I have to do in a match. I try to focus on how the wicket will be and what I need to do. If I get a chance, it will be dream come true. I always believe in taking it match by match. Right now, my focus is Ranji Trophy.” Bumrah said.

The transition from limited-overs cricket to days is easier for him than the other way and said that the longer formats test skills of a cricketer. “It’s always easier to play four-day after one day unlike reverse (vice versa). In ODIs, one uses variations in short span of time. In longer format, one needs to be consistent for a longer duration. It’s a test of skill and as professionals we need to adapt.” He added.

“Having played 8 ODIs and 21 T20Is, the right-armer is currently being pigeon-holed as a limited-overs specialist with his propensity to deliver pin-point yorkers making him a valuable asset for the ‘Men in Blue’. However, he does not want to be seen as a one dimensional bowler and hopes to add a few more weapons in his armory by working extensively during practice sessions.

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“You cannot be successful by just bowling yorkers. Nobody can bowl six out of six yorkers so you have to mix your pace. You have to bowl bouncers, mix up the pace. In practice, I don’t only bowl yorkers.” He further mentioned.

Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis are two of the greatest fast bowlers to have bowled in the game and Bumrah considers them his role models. “As I played a lot of tennis ball cricket, I used to watch Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis a lot. Then Mitchell Johnson, these three used to be my favorites. I would try and copy them – also Brett Lee. Having played for Mumbai Indians, I got to interact with some legends (like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting) and every input coming from them has been very valuable. I try to use it to my advantage. As a bowler you can always improve, always get better. The more you play, more experience you get and you become a better player.” The 22-year-old concluded saying.

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