Amid ongoing debates about his workload management, a fascinating insight into Jasprit Bumrah's early career has emerged, revealing how a choice between junk food and his unique bowling action set the stage for his future success. The star pacer recently returned to Test cricket during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, playing a pre-decided three of the five matches where he claimed 14 wickets. However, former India bowling coach, Bharat Arun has shared a story from 2013, long before his international debut, that highlights the foundational sacrifices Bumrah made to become the formidable bowler he is today.
Arun recounted a 2013 Under-19 camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) where coaches were perplexed by Bumrah's quirky action. While they attempted to remodel it for safety and convention, the change resulted in a significant loss of pace. "In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action," Arun said. "He was remodeled, but then the action was great, the ball was not going quick. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective?" The coaching staff ultimately decided to preserve his natural, pace-generating action but knew his body needed to be strengthened to handle the immense physical stress it produced.
The solution, Arun explained, was a complete physical transformation. The coaches told Bumrah he needed to be "like a bull" to withstand the impact of fast bowling, which meant overhauling his diet and lifestyle. "He loved burgers, pizzas, milkshakes. He gave up everything overnight," Arun remarked. "A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat, but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. Bumrah instantaneously changed." This pivotal moment of sacrifice was crucial in building the powerful physique required to support his unconventional bowling style.
Fast forward to the present, and the careful management of that unique talent remains a top priority for Indian cricket. Bumrah is set to make his return to T20I cricket for the first time in over a year after being named in India's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Defending the selective playing schedule, Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar emphasized Bumrah's importance. "Clearly, we want him available for all the big games," Agarkar said. "Most fast bowlers are monitored, but with him there’s extra attention because of how unique and special he is."
This meticulous management is a testament to the legacy Bumrah has already built. In just nine years, he has established himself as arguably India's greatest-ever pacer, amassing 457 wickets across 207 international matches. His incredible average and strike rate place him among the elite, underscoring why both his early sacrifices and current workload management are vital in preserving one of India's most valuable cricketing assets.