Jasprit Bumrah once in a generation fast bowler, his ability to shoulder responsibility phenomenal: L Balaji

Jasprit Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation fast bowler and his ability to manage the workloads of both white-ball and red-ball cricket at the nascent phase of his career is phenomenal, according to former India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji.

Speaking to indiatoday.in from the UAE, Lakshmipathy Balaji said he does not only rate Jasprit Bumrah’s skillset highly but his ability to shoulder responsibility and take up a leadership role in the bowling attack.

Burmah has reached the UAE to join the Mumbai Indians camp for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a fine run in red-ball cricket in the incomplete Test series in England. Bumrah emerged as India’s highest wicket-taker, taking 18 scalps in 4 Tests after playing all 4 Tests in the series.

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Bumrah’s spell on the final day on a placid pitch at Oval in London spoke volumes about the Indian pacer’s versatility. Bumrah got the ball to reverse-swing and swung the match in favour of India in a 6-over spell that will be remembered for the ages.

“Bumrah has made huge strides in his Test career. He will play a bigger role in the future. The way he has managed both white ball and red ball has been phenomenal to watch. Both the skills are totally different. Very rarely, you get a match of both the white-ball cricket and red-ball cricket bowling in superior form,” Balaji said.

Jasprit Bumrah picked up 18 wickets in 4 Tests in Englland (AP Photo)

“We have seen many batsmen doing it but very rarely do we see bowlers evolving with both the skills.

“Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation fast bowler. It’s not easy to replicate Bumrah. This generation, we are lucky to see talents like Bumrah and (Mohammed) Shami.

“When I started my career, great bowlers operated in tandem. Some like Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. India’s Zaheer (Khan) and (Javagal) Srinath and Ashish played together. All these guys we have seen in the late 90s and early 2000s.

“What we’re seeing today is how far these guys are able to adapt and maintain their skill sets.”

Speaking of Bumrah’s ability to make things happen whenever the team needs him, Balaji added: “Bumrah is one exceptional bowler. I see him not only as a skillful bowler but he has leadership quality. He has been shouldering responsibility very well at a very young age. The way he has handled the responsibility of the team has been phenomenal.”

A lot of credit should go to the India support staff: Balaji

Balaji, who is part of the Chennai Super Kings set-up as their bowling coach, said a lot of credit needs to go to India’s head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and the rest of the support system for ensuring India pacers didn’t compromise on fitness and pace.

Balaji, who had dealt with multiple injury concerns during his time as India fast bowler, said it’s not easy to maintain the balance between taking the initiative in overseas conditions and playing second fiddle to spinners at home.

“Definitely, you have to give credit to the support staff. We see in skills is a reflection of how we prepare but what we don’t see is the work done to keep them fresh,” Balaji said.

“Over the last 2-3 years, they have managed the fast bowlers well. Remaining fit and not losing pace is a great man-management skill. They don’t compromise on performance.

“Overseas conditions, it’s easier to manage. But when you come to India, it takes double, triple the load. Sometimes, you will not be playing, spinners will be doing the bulk of the work, you may bowl 10 overs in a match. You’re also like a super machine. You can’t be kept inside all the time.. Overusing also has its effects.

“The balancing act is what the support staff have to do. You have to give credit to Ravi Shastri, Bharat Arun, the physios and the NCA,” he added.