'It is funny that perceptions changed after one inning' - Ishant Sharma slams Jasprit Bumrah's critics

Just a few bad games on the field and the majority of the cricketing ecosystem forgets who you really are, even if you are a world-class bowler. It is indeed funny how the fans jump into conclusions by judging a player after a few bad spells and India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been treated badly by a certain section of fans on social media.

It is clearly evident from the fact that Bumrah hasn’t been having a great time at the office. In the ongoing tour of New Zealand, the fast bowler went wicketless for the first time in the bilateral ODI series, a rare failure for someone like a player of his caliber. Soon after that, questions have been raised over the pacer’s poor bowling performance.

Team India are currently playing New Zealand in the first Test of the two-match Test series at Basin Reserve in Wellington. Jasprit Bumrah, who is playing his first Test after recovering from a back injury previously this year, bowled 18.1 overs in New Zealand’s first innings on Saturday but failed to deliver the goods for the team on Day 2.

However, on the next day, Bumrah eventually ended the drought as he managed to pick just one wicket while his counterparts Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin bagged 5/68 and 3/99 respectively.

It’s funny how perceptions change quickly: Ishant Sharma

While fans are still targeting Jasprit Bumrah over his poor form, Ishant Sharma voiced his support for Bumrah. The lanky pacer, who was the best bowler for India in the match, slammed Jasprit Bumrah’s critics by saying that it was ‘funny’ how people start judging a quality pacer like Bumrah after a few bad games.

“It’s funny that perceptions changed after one inning. For two years, we have always taken 20 wickets, myself, Boom (Bumrah’s nickname in the Indian dressing room) and Shami along with Ash or Jaddu (at home). How can people question on the basis of one inning (Test)?” Ishant asked while defending his colleague as quoted by Telegraph India.

“I don’t think anyone doubts Boom’s ability. Since his debut, what he has achieved for India, I don’t think anyone should raise any questions,” said Ishant while adding that no one should be raising questions on Bumrah’s ability.