Acknowledging Bumrah's Player Evolution: Mhambrey's Insights

New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey emphasized the importance of recognizing fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his remarkable evolution as a player since his debut in IPL 2013. He noted that very few bowlers globally have made a significant impact in all three formats.

Since making his international debut in 2016, Bumrah has quickly established himself as one of India's premier fast-bowlers. He was honored as the Player of the Tournament during India's triumph at the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados, capturing 15 wickets.

Despite suffering from back spasms that limited his bowling in the second innings of the Sydney Test, Bumrah earned the title of Player of the Series in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he took 32 wickets across five matches.

“One must give credit to Bumrah for his development as a player. His focus is commendable. He is very much aware of his game and constantly strives for improvement. This is why he ranks as the best in the world across all formats. Players should not just be evaluated by the number of matches played, but also by their impact,” Mhambrey stated.

“Few bowlers in the world have that level of influence in all formats. Bumrah's statistics in T20s, ODIs, and Tests reflect his strong work ethic. He genuinely enjoys playing Test cricket and is very engaged in the game,” Mhambrey continued, as reported by miemirates.com.

Mhambrey expressed his pleasure at Bumrah's embrace of a leadership role, having captained the team in three Tests so far. “He has taken to captaincy well, which is heartening. He does not only concentrate on his performance; he is very inclusive and understands his role in mentoring and assisting others, which he has embraced beautifully. It's not just about winning matches; it's about making a lasting impact on everyone,” he added.

Currently serving as the Bowling Coach of MI Emirates in the UAE before his upcoming role in IPL 2025, Mhambrey reflected on Bumrah’s journey thus far.

“Looking back, his journey has been phenomenal. As a newcomer, he was picked up during the IPL when he was relatively unknown. The MI setup has played an essential role in this, with the support staff and scouts recognizing talent like his.”

“John (Wright) was instrumental in identifying him and recommending him to the management. This speaks volumes about the team’s dedication. Of course, the skills were present, but having access to the best physios, trainers, and senior players was vital for his development,” he remarked.

Mhambrey concluded by expressing his hope to witness more of Bumrah’s exceptional bowling for at least the next five years, provided his body can sustain his unique bowling action. “The potential for improvement is limitless. I believe he is not overly focused on statistics. His main goal is to contribute to the team's success. I just hope his body supports him,” he shared.

“His unique action requires significant energy, and my primary concern is his longevity. We must take care of him. It's crucial for him to remain available for Indian cricket. He is eager to play, but we need to be strategic about his usage,” he cautioned.

“On a personal level, he likely just wants to continue doing what he loves. Watching him on the field, it’s clear he enjoys the game. Even when sitting in the dressing room thinking about what he should do next, he often executes it perfectly on the field,” he noted.

“He has a keen understanding of the game and reads the batters exceptionally well. If a fielder should be positioned deeper, he adjusts accordingly. It’s a delight to watch him play, and I hope to continue enjoying it for the next five years.”