Jasprit Bumrah credits MS Dhoni for giving him confidence

Ever since Jasprit Bumrah has made his debut for the Indian limited-overs side down under, he has been in the thick of things. India’s new pace bowling sensation has had a fabulous last 5 months where he exhibited his skills to the cricketing world. He seems to have solved India’s perennial problem of bowling at the death and the 22-year-old wants to credit his skipper MS Dhoni for showing confidence in him.

Bumrah was again impressive in the IPL 2016 as well. Playing for Mumbai Indians, the young pacer scalped 15 wickets in the tournament but couldn’t prevent his side from bowing out of the tournament in the league stages. So after the hectic tournament where he played all 14 games, he now looks forward to the upcoming tour to Zimbabwe with full of vigour and energy.

Talking about the influence of skipper Dhoni, Bumrah said, “It’s always very good. It gives me the confidence to express myself because he(Dhoni) has that self-belief. I can show my capability. It also gives me the confidence to do all the things I know I can do best. It’s the best feeling for a youngster who has come into the side.”

India’s limited-overs skipper Dhoni has often praised the youngster for the way he has handled pressure. Dhoni showed that he had a lot of confidence in the young pacer as he often gave him the ball during the ICC T20 World Cup when the team was under pressure and needed to either choke runs or get a wicket.

Bumrah has so far played 16 T20Is and a single ODI in the national colours whilst showing signs of being a horse for the long race. When asked about his life changing after donning India colours, the reticent speaker said, “No, not at all, I am still the same person. I hang out with the same friends and lead the same lifestyle. But people recognise me now, that is the only difference.”

He also added, “I do the same things like I used to do earlier as well. I just stay at home and spend time with my family and friends. I want to do well in cricket and am not behind fame and glamour.”

Death-over secrets

Fame at a young age can often be detrimental for any youngster and by the words of Bumrah it seems that he is least perturbed by the sudden fame he has garnered. Bumrah is known for his exploits in the death over and when asked about that amazing skill, he divulged his secret to success, “I don’t try to think too much. I just try to execute the plans which we have decided in the bowlers’ meeting or the plans that were made earlier. I stick to my strengths. See, some days the plans won’t work but if you have a player-plan then you will be able to do well more often than not.

He also pointed out, “Thinking about the plan and execution will help you, rather than thinking about the pressure or the outcome.” The young bowler is all set for the tour of Zimbabwe and according to him, the break after IPL was a much-needed one before the upcoming season.”