One of the remarkable things about Jasprit Bumrah, apart from his bowling, is his ability to generate the pace he does with a short run-up he has. However, with the action he had, he was always susceptible to injuries. Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun would acknowledge how, at NCA (Centre of Excellence), they tried to alter his action and also suggested to him that he needs to be like a bull.
“A lot of things have been said about the fitness culture of Virat Kohli. Jasprit Bumrah is no less. 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, speaking to Bombay Sport. “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,” recalled Arun.
In addition to the action, Arun also told how they advised the fast bowler to change his food habits for a longer career. “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, 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.
