Mumbai: Jasprit Bumrah has been the go-to bowler for India in limited overs cricket for the last one year. Although he has been used as a specialist bowler in the death overs by former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a change in India’s limited overs captaincy is unlikely to hurt the Gujarat bolwer’s chances of getting regular on-field action.
Bumrah has earned a reputation as one of the stingiest operator and for bowling toe crushing yorkers. However, the 23-year-old is determined to make a name for himself in the longer format of the game.
“It's a perception, I guess, that I'm just a limited-overs cricketer. For three seasons now, I've been playing in the Ranji Trophy and for India A. I have had decent success, so I don't think of myself as just a short-form bowler. That said, it's important to adapt to formats quickly,” Bumrah told ESPNCricinfo.
The bowler, who has 89 wickets to his name in 26 First-Class matches, said he has learnt a lot by playing in Ranji Trophy matches this season.
“This time (2016/17 Ranji season), playing seven matches across different surfaces has been a huge step in that direction. I've learned a lot about my bowling, in terms of being patient, consistent, and in general, being fit to bowl long spells.”
Bumrah’s six-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Jharkhand helped Gujarat reach the final for only the second time in the tournament's 83-year history. The bowler also explained how playing in Ranji matches helps in becoming a better bowler.
“The beauty of domestic cricket is that it gives you time to absorb these lessons, which is why playing on the circuit for three years now has made me a better bowler. That's why I feel domestic grind is important for fast bowlers.
"In some ways, I've also been lucky to have had these habits told to me when I joined Mumbai Indians, before my Ranji debut. First-class cricket gave me the chance to work on these aspects over time,” said Bumrah.
