Bharat Arun Reveals Untold Sacrifices Behind Jasprit Bumrah’s Rise
Indian star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has turned out to be a legend in modern-day cricket history with the help of his remarkable performances over the years. From being a threat to the opponent teams to being a bowling icon of the nation, he has achieved a lot till now.
Today we all know him as the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, but the journey of becoming this was not an easy one; it was hard work and dedication that made him the thing he is today. In a recent interview, Team India's former bowling coach Bharat Arun revealed what sacrifices Bumrah made to become the bowler he is today.
Just like every cricket, Bumrah had a dream of becoming a cricketer. Although the early days were tough, his talent and hard work were tougher. From not getting selected for the Under-19 team to carrying the hopes of the Indian Cricket Team, he has come a long way.
To which Bharat Arun said,
"In 2013, Bumrah had come to the NCA for an Under-19 camp and pitched for selection. He couldn't make the team, but he was in the 30-member camp at the national cricket academy. In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah's action."
Further, he said,
"He was remolded, but then the action was great; the ball was not going quick. What's the point in having a great action if the balls aren't effective? He could bowl quickly, and so we had a discussion with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, "I wouldn't want to touch his action because it's very unique and generates a lot of pace." But also puts him under stress."
It's not like that Bumrah earned all this without any sacrifice. He made many sacrifices, and the most difficult was giving up on his favorite food. Everyone knew about Virat Kohli's journey of sacrificing his favorite food, but the same thing was applied to Jasprit Bumrah too.
Talking about this, Bharat Arun said,
"We called him and told him, 'To take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices. In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, he was working in the gym like Virat Kohli, and he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, and milkshakes. But overnight, he gave up everything. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat—but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving."
After the end of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Bumrah is now all set to return for the Asia Cup 2025, where he will be seen leading India's pace attack starting from September 9.