India's premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah's match-winning skills across formats are second to none. However, every athlete has to make some sacrifices, quit what they love the most to reach the pinnacle. The pacer is also among several greats of the game, who made difficult choices to be the best in business among the pacers. The 31-year-old's action is one of the most difficult actions the game has seen. With such a short run-up, Bumrah manages to generate incredible speeds and turn the game within the blink of an eye.
However, former India bowling coach Bharat Arun observed that the pacer's action was putting a lot of stress on his body, and that's when they decided to tweak the action a bit, which proved to be a game-changer for him.
"A lot of things have been said about the fitness culture of Virat Kohli. Jasprit Bumrah is no less. In 2013, Bumrah came to the NCA for an Under-19 camp and pitched for selection. He couldn't make the team, but he was in the 30-member camp at the National Cricket Academy," Bharat Arun said in an interview with TOI.
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Arun further stated that they tried to change Jasprit Bumrah's action. "In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah's action. 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?" Arun said.
"He could bowl quick, and so we discussed with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn't want to touch his action because it's very unique and generates a lot of pace. But it also puts him under stress."
Need to have a bull mindset to bowl fast - Bharat Arun's advice to Bumrah that changed everything
The former India bowling coach further stated that despite tweaking action, the plan did not work as they had hoped for. That's when the Indian team management made a special plan.
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"We called him and told him: to take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices. In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, and he was working in the gym. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, and milkshakes. He gave up everything overnight. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat-but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving," Arun said.
Bumrah's sacrifice of his favorite food items is yet another stark reminder that nothing beats a person when they show full dedication, hunger, and desire. The pacer at the right time realized and started to develop a champion mindset, and the result is there for everyone to see. He is currently rated the best pacer of his generation, and by the time he retires, Bumrah will be right among the legends of the game.
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