December 24, 2024: Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, ahead of the fourth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), shared some invaluable insights for aspiring fast bowlers, stressing the importance of repetition, mental focus, and pushing oneself beyond physical limits. Bumrah, who has been in sensational form throughout the series, currently leads the wicket tally with 21 wickets at an average of 10.90, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/76, emphasized how Test cricket demands constant mental and physical endurance.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah can be seen explaining to a young bowler how vital it is to keep pushing oneself, even when tired, especially in the demanding format of Test cricket. He noted, “Some days you would be tired. On game day, you will be tired as well. So you have to push yourself some days in the nets as well. Because in the game, you will be tired. You will never be fresh all the time if you play Tests.”
Bumrah further explained that the key to consistent performance is building muscle memory. He stressed that a bowler’s mindset and physical condition are integral to success. “What works for you? When I have taken wickets, how have I taken wickets? How was I feeling? What was my body feeling like? So all of those things, I keep that in mind. I write it down and try to replicate that mindset again and again,” he said.
The 31-year-old pacer elaborated on how repetition is essential for honing skills, saying, “So this sport is all about volume. Initially, you want to learn anything, you have to do it again and again. Why do we execute the length ball a lot? Because we have done it so many times. Every ball is like that.”
Bumrah also emphasized the importance of smart practice. “Repetition, but smartly,” he said. He highlighted that, especially before the age of 28, it’s important to not just bowl for the sake of it but to understand the technique behind every delivery. “If you do not bowl, if you do not do it enough, how will you learn the craft? It is not a video game that I have decided and it will happen. You have to do it again.”
His remarkable form in 2024 further solidifies his expertise, with Bumrah taking 77 wickets in 20 international matches at an average of 13.35 and an economy rate of 3.08. This year, he has taken four five-wicket hauls, cementing his reputation as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. He also played a crucial role in India’s ICC T20 World Cup-winning campaign, where he was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ for his outstanding performances, including 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17.
For aspiring bowlers, Bumrah’s advice is simple but powerful: repetition, understanding your body, and executing the craft with focus and dedication are the keys to success at the highest level.
