'In my head, growing up, I was never unorthodox," says Jasprit Bumrah from his home in Ahmedabad. Time with loved ones is a precious commodity for India's galácticos, but their champion fast bowler has spared some for a chat before Thursday's highly anticipated first Test against England.
"It wasn't until I joined a national junior camp and saw a video of myself [that I saw I was different]," the 30-year-old continues. "I was just bowling fast and taking wickets, it never occurred to me. Now it's my strength. It may have gotten jumbled up from watching lots of different bowlers on television but I've been fortunate: no coach has ever tried to change me."
The temptation here is to describe Bumrah as one-in-amillion but when it comes to India, a few noughts can probably be tacked on to the end. Although the truth is, there really is no other quick like him in world cricket; nothing that compares to the seam and swing lashed down by one of the most unique actions in the sport.
Side on, it's a thrilling spectacle, Bumrah cantering in, winding up like a trebuchet, and exploding at the crease. The elbow hyperextends, the wrist snaps, and the ball leaves the fingertips six inches to a foot nearer the batter than most.
Front on it comes from anywhere between 10 and two on the clock face, and asks more questions than a hyperactive toddler.
A good few batters may wish the coaches had tinkered, such has been Bumrah's rise to become arguably the best three-format exponent around; owner of elite numbers, frontman for a generational Indian pace battery and vice-captain to Rohit Sharma.
It all began on a sofa in Gujarat's most populous city, with Bumrah, raised by his mother, Daljit, utterly transfixed by the sport on his screen and one facet in particular.
Denne historien er fra January 23, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra January 23, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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