Ahead of the crucial Pune Test, New Zealand’s preparation took an interesting turn as their batsmen turned to an unconventional tactic—replicating Jasprit Bumrah’s unique bowling action. During their training session, the Kiwis called upon their throw-down specialist to mimic Bumrah’s side-arm, whip-crack bowling style, hoping to better prepare for the Indian seamer’s threat. However, despite the specialist’s best efforts, his attempts resulted in wide and erratic deliveries, underlining the challenge of replicating Bumrah’s unorthodox technique.
Jasprit Bumrah presence looms large
Even on a pitch that is expected to favour spinners, Jasprit Bumrah remains a key figure. Whether the Pune wicket turns, partially turns, or remains flat, the Indian speedster’s ability to influence the outcome of the match is undeniable. His capacity to strike with the new ball, old ball, or semi-new ball makes him a constant threat, capable of single-handedly shifting the game’s balance.
For New Zealand, surviving Bumrah’s spells will be just as crucial as negotiating India’s renowned spin attack. Skipper Tom Latham and his team will know that before they contend with spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, they must first find a way to handle Bumrah’s relentless pressure.
Jasprit Bumrah’s match-winning potential
In India’s previous match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Jasprit Bumrah was the bowler the visitors feared the most. It wasn’t the conditions or the pitch that intimidated the Kiwi batsmen, but Bumrah’s sheer will and intensity. He bowled with such heart and precision that every ball seemed to carry the potential for a game-changing moment.
On the fifth morning of that match, Bumrah trapped Latham leg-before with just his second delivery, igniting hopes of an unlikely Indian victory. His eight-over spell of hostility and precision had New Zealand on the ropes. Though India didn’t pull off the win, Bumrah’s performance was a reminder of his ability to bend games to his will, with the finest of margins separating him from further rewards.
Domestic Dominator
While Jasprit Bumrah’s international reputation has been cemented through his performances overseas, his impact at home has been equally significant. In just 11 Tests on Indian soil, he has taken 47 wickets at an astonishing average of 15.97, with a wicket every 34 balls. His dominance in home conditions has often overshadowed even India’s spinners, with his searing pace and reverse swing proving decisive.
One of the standout examples of Bumrah’s prowess was during the England series earlier in the year. Though Ravi Ashwin and Tom Hartley took more wickets, Bumrah’s timely breakthroughs and ability to exploit even the slightest weakness in opposition batsmen were unmatched. His reverse-swing spell in Visakhapatnam was not only spectacular but shifted the momentum of the series.
New Zealand challenge in Pune Test: Surviving Jasprit Bumrah
As New Zealand gears up for the Pune Test, they will be acutely aware that Jasprit Bumrah’s influence extends far beyond mere numbers. His ability to mix conventional swing with reverse swing, combined with his deadly yorkers and variations, makes him an all-weather bowler. The Kiwis’ decision to replicate his action in the nets only highlights their concern—facing Jasprit Bumrah is an entirely different challenge.
No Indian seamer has had such a profound impact in home conditions in recent memory. While legends like Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, and Zaheer Khan were formidable, Bumrah’s ability to live rent-free in the minds of opposition batsmen makes him a unique challenge. As the Pune Test approaches, New Zealand will know that before they can dream of a win, they must first conquer the enigma that is Jasprit Bumrah.
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