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Bharat Arun Opens Up About Jasprit Bumrah’s Journey From Burgers To Greatness
Follow UsOver the years, Bumrah has established himself as the spearhead of India’s pace attack
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has revealed how Jasprit Bumrah’s incredible discipline and sacrifice off the field transformed him into one of the finest fast bowlers of the modern era. According to Arun, Bumrah once loved indulging in burgers, pizzas, and milkshakes, but gave them up overnight to pursue greatness.
“In 2013, Bumrah had come 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,” Arun said on the latest episode of Bombay Sport Exchange.
“In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodelled, 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? He could bowl quick, and so we had a discussion 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.
“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, he was working in the gym. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, and milkshakes.
“But overnight, he gave up everything. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat, but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving.”
That unwavering discipline has paid off handsomely. Over the years, Bumrah has established himself as the spearhead of India’s pace attack. He has represented India in 48 Tests, 89 ODIs, and 70 T20Is, picking up a staggering 457 international wickets.
His Test record stands out in particular - 219 wickets at an average of 19.82, making him the only bowler in the history of the game to claim over 200 Test wickets at an average below 20.
Bumrah will next be seen in action at the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, beginning September 9. His most recent appearance in T20Is came during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he once again proved his match-winning credentials.
(Image credit - Sportsbible)