‘I Don’t Need to Abuse the Batsman’: Jasprit Bumrah on Showing His Aggression
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has been fiery. India’s pace spearhead and skipper, Jasprit Bumrah, has been at its center. Bumrah has shown a rare, fiery side. It’s especially true in his duels with Australia’s 19-year-old opener, Sam Konstas.
One such incident unfolded during the first day of the Sydney Test. Konstas, from the non-striker’s end, appeared to instigate Bumrah in the closing moments of the day. Bumrah, usually composed, momentarily lost his cool. He let the ball do the talking. He celebrated in Konstas’ face after dismissing Usman Khawaja two balls later.
In a recent interview, Bumrah discussed his controlled aggression as a bowler. It was with Forbes India. He avoids going overboard, even in high-pressure situations.
Bumrah on His Style of Aggression
“I am aggressive; it’s just that I don’t need to go and abuse the batsman, because when I was a kid, I saw the bowlers on the television screaming and shouting and going head-to-head. When I tried it, I became too aggressive; when I tried to play in club cricket, it didn’t work in my favor,” said Bumrah to Forbes India.
“When I realized that I go overboard, to control that I consciously worked on it. When I’m nice and calm and relaxed, people don’t know what’s going on in my head, so that gives me a mental advantage. That helps me to stay calm and make better decisions,” he added.
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On Sledging: ‘I Don’t Back Down, But I Don’t Start It’
When asked about sledging, Bumrah admitted it happens in the heat of the moment. But, he avoids abusive language.
“I obviously won’t lie; it happens. But I don’t start it (sledge), But when it comes my way, I don’t back down as well, because that is how I started playing. It is very easy for me to start that battle, but I don’t do it consciously because I want to be in my zone or my moment,” Bumrah added.
This calm, measured approach has made Bumrah a feared, composed fast bowler.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: A Battle of Fire and Ice
The heated exchanges between Bumrah and Konstas reflect the intense rivalry between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Yet, Bumrah’s ability to balance aggression with control is what sets him apart. While his fiery spells unsettle batters, his calm demeanor keeps him focused on the task at hand.
Bumrah’s bowling has been a series highlight. He leads India with both fire and finesse. Aggression doesn’t need words; it can be shown through action.