Gives you confidence when captain backs you: Jasprit Bumrah

With 28 wickets to his name this year, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in T20Is 2016. Ever since making his international debut, Bumrah has escalated exponentially and rose up the ranks to be the next big thing in the Indian bowling setup. With his toe crushing Yorkers and the ability to bowl them with utter consistency, Bumrah has given every reason to skipper MS Dhoni to be his go-to man in crisis situations.

In a recent exclusive interview with India Today, Jasprit Bumrah spoke on what he thinks about his game and his journey in international cricket thus far. Bumrah said it has been a great journey so far and wishes to continue in the same way. He admitted that it is nothing but a dream come true to play for India.

“It has been a really good journey so far, a great experience. I have learnt with every match that I played, learning from the experienced players and how to go about it. Every youngster dreams to play for India and I have done that. The ride has been pretty good so far. Let’s hope it continues like this,” quoted Bumrah.

Speaking further on his form this year – being the leading wicket-taker in T20Is in 2016 – a modest Bumrah said he never thinks about the numbers but has his focus on contributing to the team’s success.  “Frankly speaking, I never think about the wickets that I have got, the numbers. I just try to contribute to the team’s success. I believe that whenever you think of the outcome, it doesn’t go your way. So, I just try to contribute in every possible way,” said the new bowling sensation.

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One of Bumrah’s key weapons has been his lethal yorkers and consistency in death overs. Bumrah was quick to admit that he has been practising death bowling from a long time and has done it for his state and franchise team. He also admitted that it is good to be acknowledged but said he doesn’t let it sink in.

“It feels good but I don’t pay too much attention to it. I have done a lot of death bowling for Mumbai Indians and also for Gujarat. I have a fair bit of idea and experience in that area now. I just try to improve my game, try to stick to my strengths and add new things to my bowling. That is the thing which will give me an advantage in the coming season. I do practice a lot on bowling yorkers and a whole lot of other deliveries in the nets. I repeat the same in a match. I go with a clear plan whenever I play.” quoted Jasprit Bumrah.

When asked about the most memorable moment of his short career so far, Bumrah pointed out to his debut match. Bumrah made his international debut against Australia in January this year.

“Not just Gayle’s dismissal but every international wicket is special to me. But my debut match, against Australia remains the most memorable moment till now. These days in international cricket, the batsmen know everything. I try to practice a lot of deliveries and try to stick to my strength. These are the things that are helping me. A bowler has to keep on inventing ways to get a wicket,” he said.

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For bowlers as young as him, it is a common sight to see some aggression flowing. However, Bumrah is not one of those who speaks a lot; he rather makes his ball do the talking. He admitted the same saying he doesn’t like showing his aggression in verbal wars. “Yes, I don’t try to show my aggression. I’ll always be aggressive but I try to use it to my advantage. I don’t show it to the batsmen and will never abuse them. I know if you take it in a proper direction, it will help you in the matches,” he added.

Skipper MS Dhoni has been backing him since he made his debut and Bumrah was humble to acknowledge this fact. “It always gives you a good confidence that the captain is backing you. That really helps a youngster to express himself and perform well. The going has been good so far,” conceded Jasprit Bumrah on Dhoni’s influence on him.