Mitchell Starc decodes reason for Jasprit Bumrah's success across formats
Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, recently expressed his admiration for Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian speedster, highlighting the unique aspects of Bumrah's bowling that contribute to his success across all formats of cricket. Starc's insights come in the wake of Bumrah's impressive performance during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 in Perth, where he took four wickets and demonstrated his exceptional skills under pressure.
The Unique Bowling Action of Jasprit Bumrah
One of the primary factors contributing to Bumrah's success is his unique bowling action. Starc noted that this distinctive style is not something he would attempt to replicate due to its complexity and the potential risk of injury. Bumrah's action features a significant degree of hyperextension in his elbow, allowing him to generate a unique release point that many bowlers find difficult to emulate. This release point is crucial for his ability to deliver lethal yorkers and deceptive slower balls, making him a formidable opponent in all formats of the game
Impact on Performance
Bumrah's bowling action has led to remarkable statistics throughout his career. In 2024 alone, he has emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers in Test cricket, with an average of 15.37 and an economy rate of 3.06. His ability to adapt his style for different formats—whether it be the death overs in ODIs or maintaining pressure with the new ball in Tests—demonstrates his versatility and skill as a bowler
Execution and Precision
Starc emphasized that Bumrah’s execution skills are arguably the best in contemporary cricket. This precision allows him to consistently hit his target areas, which is vital for success in Test matches where conditions can vary significantly. During the first day of the Test against Australia, Bumrah showcased this precision by dismantling Australia's top order, including dismissing key players like Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith
Psychological Factors
Another aspect that contributes to Bumrah’s success is his mental strength and self-belief. As he prepares for matches, he focuses on maintaining a positive mindset and ensuring that both his mind and heart are aligned with his goals. This mental fortitude enables him to perform under pressure, whether captaining a young team or leading from the front as a bowler
Adaptability Across Formats
Bumrah's ability to adapt his bowling style for different formats is a key reason for his sustained success. In T20s, he excels at bowling yorkers and variations that confuse batsmen during crucial death overs. In ODIs, he maintains control while also being aggressive when needed. In Tests, he has shown proficiency with both new and old balls, taking wickets consistently while also being economical
Comparison with Other Bowlers
Starc's remarks highlight how Bumrah stands out among fast bowlers globally. While many bowlers may have similar pace or physical attributes, it is Bumrah's combination of skillful execution, unique action, and psychological resilience that sets him apart. Starc himself acknowledged that attempting to mimic Bumrah’s action could lead to injury due to its unconventional nature
Leadership Qualities
In addition to his bowling prowess, Bumrah’s leadership qualities have come into focus during this series. Stepping in as captain for Rohit Sharma, he has managed a young team effectively while also leading by example on the field. His ability to communicate effectively with teammates and guide them through challenging situations reflects not only his skill as a bowler but also as a leader
Inspiring Young Bowlers
Bumrah’s success serves as an inspiration for young bowlers around the world. His journey from being an unconventional bowler to becoming one of the best in all formats illustrates that dedication, hard work, and self-belief can lead to outstanding achievements in cricket. Young players look up to him not just for his skills but also for how he handles pressure and challenges on the field
Conclusion
Mitchell Starc’s praise for Jasprit Bumrah underscores the latter's remarkable contributions to modern cricket across formats. From his unique bowling action and execution skills to his mental resilience and leadership qualities, Bumrah exemplifies what it means to be a successful fast bowler today. As he continues to perform at high levels, both fans and aspiring cricketers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his career trajectory and achievements in future matches.In summary, Jasprit Bumrah’s success can be attributed to a combination of physical talent, mental strength, adaptability across formats, and effective leadership—qualities that make him one of cricket's most formidable fast bowlers today.
What specific aspects of Bumrah's action make him stand out?
Jasprit Bumrah's bowling action is widely recognized as one of the most effective and unique in modern cricket. Several specific aspects of his technique contribute to his success across all formats, making him a standout performer on the international stage.
Unorthodox Bowling Action
Bumrah's unorthodox bowling action is perhaps the most defining feature of his style. Unlike traditional fast bowlers who typically have a more conventional arm motion, Bumrah employs a distinctive approach that creates unpredictable release angles. This unpredictability often confuses batsmen, making it challenging for them to anticipate the trajectory of the ball. His action allows him to deliver the ball from a lower height, which can lead to skidding deliveries that catch batsmen off guard, as seen in instances where he has bowled out top players unexpectedly
Hyperextension and Release Point
A critical element of Bumrah's action is the hyperextension of his elbow. This allows him to release the ball significantly further in front of his body compared to other bowlers. As a result, the ball reaches the batsman more quickly, reducing their reaction time and increasing the likelihood of mistakes. This technique contributes to his ability to bowl at speeds that feel faster than they are measured because the distance traveled by the ball is shorter
Seam Position and Ball Control
Bumrah maintains a highly upright seam position, which is essential for generating backspin on the ball. This backspin not only contributes to lift but can also create unexpected movement off the pitch due to the Magnus Effect. His control over seam and wrist position allows him to swing and seam the ball effectively in both directions, making him a nightmare for batsmen regardless of their handedness
Variations and Adaptability
Bumrah's arsenal includes a range of variations, from pinpoint yorkers to deceptive slower balls and bouncers. His ability to mix these deliveries keeps batsmen guessing and unable to settle into a rhythm. He has mastered the art of bowling at any stage of an innings—whether with the new ball or during death overs—showcasing versatility that is rare among fast bowlers
Game Sense and Strategic Acumen
Beyond physical attributes, Bumrah possesses an exceptional cricketing intellect. He demonstrates a keen understanding of batsmen's weaknesses and adjusts his plans accordingly during matches. For example, he can exploit specific batting weaknesses by varying his line and length strategically, as seen in his dismissals where he targets known vulnerabilities of certain players
. This strategic approach elevates his effectiveness, allowing him to consistently hit crucial lines and lengths.
Mental Resilience
Bumrah's mental strength is another factor that sets him apart from other bowlers. He remains calm under pressure, which is vital in high-stakes situations such as World Cup matches or Test series deciders. His ability to handle intense scrutiny and bounce back from setbacks—like injuries—demonstrates resilience that complements his technical skills
Conclusion
In summary, Jasprit Bumrah's success as a bowler can be attributed to several key aspects of his action: his unorthodox style, hyperextended elbow for rapid release, upright seam position for effective movement, diverse variations, strategic game sense, and mental resilience. These elements combine to make him one of cricket's most formidable fast bowlers across all formats, capable of adapting his skills to meet the demands of different match situations while consistently delivering exceptional performances.