Jasprit Bumrah, now celebrated as one of the best bowlers in the world, has come a long way from his early days in cricket. Known for his calm demeanor, the Indian pacer once found himself in the spotlight for a fiery send-off to South African legend AB de Villiers during an IPL 2014 match, an incident that prompted former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey to step in with advice.
A Fiery Moment in the IPL
During an IPL game between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014, Bumrah dismissed de Villiers and followed it up with a fiery gesture towards the pavilion. The legendary South African batter was visibly unimpressed with the send-off. Reflecting on the incident, Michael Hussey, who was part of the Mumbai Indians support staff, revealed how he pulled Bumrah aside to offer guidance.
“He got AB de Villiers out and gave him a big send-off. AB wasn’t happy about it. I had a stern word with Bumrah, telling him he didn’t need to do that,” Hussey shared on the Willow Talk Podcast. “I told him, ‘You have so much skill and talent. Just taking the wicket is enough to make a statement. If you want respect from your peers, avoid such gestures.’”
Humble Beginnings to Test Cricket Stardom
Despite his early aggression, Bumrah has become known for his calm and composed character on the field. Hussey lauded him for his remarkable growth, both as a cricketer and as a person. “He’s such a humble and down-to-earth guy. That send-off felt out of character for him,” Hussey remarked. “He’s always smiling, calm, and consistent with his behavior. It’s a pleasure to watch him bowl.”
Bumrah’s journey from an unorthodox pacer in the IPL to India’s leading bowler in Test cricket is nothing short of inspirational. Since making his Test debut against South Africa in 2018, Bumrah has taken 194 wickets in 43 matches. He was instrumental in India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in 2018-19, delivering unforgettable spells during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Overcoming Doubts About His Style
Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling action initially raised questions about his suitability for Test cricket. Many believed his short run-up and unique action would restrict him to limited-overs formats. Hussey recalled his first encounter with Bumrah during their time at Mumbai Indians.
“I faced him in the nets, and I couldn’t even touch the ball. It felt like I was using a toothpick,” Hussey said. “His action was so unique, and the ball would whistle past you at 145 km/h. At first glance, you wouldn’t think he’d succeed, but he proved everyone wrong.”
Dominating Down Under
Bumrah’s brilliance has been on full display in Australia, where he recently surpassed Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets to become India’s most successful bowler Down Under. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah has already claimed 21 wickets in three matches, leading India’s attack with exceptional skill and precision.
Hussey summed up Bumrah’s impact perfectly: “People doubted if he could handle the demands of Test cricket, but he’s proving them wrong every single day. He’s not just succeeding—he’s excelling at the highest level.”
From a fiery young pacer in the IPL to a respected leader of India’s bowling attack, Jasprit Bumrah’s journey is a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and adaptability.
