Jasprit Bumrah rose as one of the generational talents of Indian cricket. He is undoubtedly a name that resonates with fans across the globe. But despite all of the praise and admiration, a few are asking the question: Is Bumrah truly the sensation he’s made out to be, or is he just another overrated product of the hype machine?
No doubt his unorthodox action, combined with exceptional control and pace variation, has made him a standout performer in international cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats. The 30-year-old fast bowler is known for his ability to bowl Yorkers and slower deliveries at crucial moments in the game. His meteoric rise owes a significant debt towards the glitz and glamour of the Indian Premier League. It was here, the richest league in the world where Bumrah marked his footing thanks to one of the most successful IPL franchises – Mumbai Indians.
Among the myriad narratives is the story of mentorship and evolution. The mentorship of international legends like Lasith Malinga has played a pivotal role in propelling talents like Jasprit Bumrah. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly heart-warming narrative lies a more nuanced truth that challenges the notion of IPL saviourism. Jasprit Bumrah, who also plays for the Mumbai Indians, has openly acknowledged Malinga’s influence on his bowling. Bumrah has mentioned how he learned a lot from observing Malinga’s tactics, especially in the death overs. Malinga’s mentorship and guidance have undoubtedly contributed to Bumrah’s growth as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. There have also been a lot of questions that have been raised about Bumrah’s consistency and workload management. Bumrah has struggled with injuries at crucial junctures in his career, raising doubts about his ability to endure the rigours of international cricket in the long run. Critics argue that while Bumrah may shine in short bursts, his inability to stay fit for extended periods undermines his status as a true cricketing sensation.
With the IPL and the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) investing heavily in promoting young talents like Bumrah, is it right to say that his success has been manufactured to a certain extent?
