In 2013, Jasprit Bumrah burst onto the IPL scene as a promising pacer for the Mumbai Indians (MI). Since then, he has evolved into one of Team India’s premier fast bowlers across all formats, with his Test debut in 2016 marking a turning point for India’s red-ball pace bowling.
His remarkable journey saw him become the linchpin of India’s pace attack, especially after the 2023 World Cup final, where he exclusively focused on red-ball cricket to manage his workload. Bumrah’s impact extends beyond international cricket, as his initial strides in the IPL caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
During his debut IPL season, Bumrah faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) led by Virat Kohli. The RCB skipper welcomed Bumrah with a flurry of boundaries, only to be dismissed on the fifth delivery. Despite this, it seems Kohli wasn’t entirely impressed with Bumrah’s potential.
In a revealing anecdote from IPL 2022, Parthiv Patel, who joined RCB in the 2014 mega-auction, shared an interesting interaction with Kohli. Patel had urged Kohli to take a closer look at the budding talent, Bumrah. However, Kohli’s response was dismissive, as he quipped, “Chhor na yaar. Ye Bumrah-Vumrah kya karenge?” loosely translated to “Leave it. What will such players do?”
Bumrah’s early years in the IPL were marked by perseverance. Re-signed by MI during the two-day mega-auction, he took a couple of seasons to solidify his place in the playing XI. Fast forward to the present, and Bumrah not only spearheads MI’s pace attack but has also amassed an impressive tally of 145 wickets in 120 matches.
Retained by MI before the IPL 2018 and 2022 mega-auctions, Bumrah’s journey in the league showcases his growth from a promising prospect to a seasoned campaigner. In the upcoming IPL season of 2024, Bumrah is set to play under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. Despite being the vice-captain of India’s Test team, Bumrah is not part of MI’s leadership group.
His evolution from a young bowler with untapped potential to a stalwart of Indian cricket underscores the unpredictability and resilience inherent in the sport. Virat Kohli’s initial skepticism, as recounted by Parthiv Patel, serves as a reminder that the journey to greatness often involves overcoming skepticism and proving one’s mettle on the field.
As Bumrah gears up for another IPL season under a new captain, his story remains an inspiration for aspiring cricketers. It emphasizes the significance of nurturing talent, even when it might not be immediately apparent, and the unpredictable nature of cricket that can turn a ‘Bumrah-Vumrah’ into a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.