Selectors and management knew Jasprit Bumrah would succeed in Tests, says MSK Prasad

The rise of pacer Jasprit Bumrah through the ranks in the last one year has been phenomenal. Not too long ago, the young bowler was more mocked for his no balls at crunch moments of games. But ever since he made a solid stamp in the longer format, the cricketing fraternity has started giving him more weight. In his first year in Test cricket, the bowler has captured 49 scalps to finish among the top wicket-hunters in the world.

When the 25-year-old made his debut in the longer format last year in South Africa, the general conclusion was that he was more a bowler fit for the limited overs than Tests. But Bumrah proved all wrong with his potential with the red ball and has been particularly impressive in his latest Test series in Australia where he took 21 scalps in four matches.

Chief selector MSK Prasad and his colleagues now feel vindicated once the Gujarat bowler has delivered. Such an important member Bumrah is now of the Indian squad that Sunil Gavaskar’s son Rohan suggested to preserve him in a cotton wool. The management is also playing him selectively so that he keeps fresh and fit at the time of the World Cup where he will be one of Virat Kohli’s trump cards.

“There were many theories that this kid shouldn’t be exposed to the longer format. Since he has a peculiar action, which can lead him to injuries. In fact, the selection committee and team management thought the other way round, If this kid can get stronger without making any changes to his action, he can prove to be effective in the longer format, especially while playing abroad,” Prasad was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Prasad also credited team management for Bumrah’s success

Prasad also credited the team management comprising bowling coach Bharat Arun, physio Patrik Farhart and trainer Shankar Basu for Bumrah’s success besides patting the bowler on his back for following tough fitness regimen to play series of Test matches without getting injured.

What’s even striking with Bumrah is that all his wickets so far in Tests have come in matches abroad which is quite stunning a feat by a newcomer. Bumrah has 175 international wickets at the moment in a career that completed just three years.

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