NEW DELHI: Few bowlers in the world have made a significant impact in all three formats, according to former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who also added that fast-bowling star Jasprit Bumrah deserves praise for his development as a player since his IPL 2013 debut.
Bumrah has quickly become one of India’s top fast bowlers in all forms after making his debut for his country in 2016. In the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados, Bumrah won Player of the Tournament for India with 15 wickets.
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Bumrah finished with 32 wickets in five games and was voted Player of the Series of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite being unable to bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test due to back spasms.
“You have to give credit to Bumrah for the way he has evolved as a player. He is so focused. He is aware of his game. He has a constant need to improve. That’s why he is number one. He’s the best in the world in all three formats. Don’t judge players by the number of games he’s played, but also on the impact he’s made in all three formats.”
“Very few bowlers in the world create that impact in all three formats. His numbers in T20s, ODIs and Tests speak about his work ethics. He’s one of the few guys who enjoys playing Test cricket. He just doesn’t leave the ball,” Mhambrey was quoted as saying by miemirates.com.
Additionally, he was pleased to see that Bumrah enjoyed the leadership role, which he has already assumed in three Test matches. “He has taken a liking to captaining the team as well, and I am very happy about it. He doesn’t just focus on his game, he is very inclusive. He understands his role is also about grooming, assisting others, which he has taken to very nicely. It’s not just winning games for the country. It’s about leaving an impact on everyone.”
Before taking on the same position in the IPL 2025, Mhambrey, who is now in the UAE as MI Emirates‘ bowling coach, gave some reflections on Bumrah’s journey thus far.
“I think if you just look back, he’s had a phenomenal journey. As a rookie he was picked up at the IPL and he wasn’t known at all. That’s where the MI setup comes in, in terms of support staff and the scouts having an eye for a player like this.”
“John (Wright) was the guy who had a look at him and suggested his name to the management. It speaks a lot about the team that works here. Obviously the skills were there. It was important to give him the best of physios, trainers, having the right people to guide you, senior players.”
Mhambrey concluded by expressing his hope that Bumrah’s bowling will continue for at least the next five years, assuming his body continues to support his unique bowling action.
“You never know (on how much he can get better from here). I don’t think he’s a guy who looks at numbers. Just being able to win and contribute to the team’s success is what he’ll be looking at. Fingers crossed, I just hope his body supports him here.”
“His action saps up a lot of energy. My worry will always be the longevity of this individual. We have got to take care of him. It is easy to get away from the goal. He needs to be around for Indian cricket. I’m sure he wants to play, but we have to be smart on how to use him.”
“On a personal front, I think he would just want to be doing what he is doing. You look at him on the ground and you know he is enjoying himself. When you sit in the dressing room thinking, ‘oh this is what he should be doing now’, invariably, he does exactly that the next ball.”
“You understand he is thinking and reading the batters very well. You feel one of the fielders should have been deeper, boom, he moves it. Super fun sitting outside and watching him. It is a treat. I just hope I get to watch it for the next five years.”
