'Jasprit Bumrah gave up burgers, pizzas, milkshakes overnight': Former India coach reveals secret - Watch

Jasprit Bumrah’s journey to becoming India’s premier fast bowler has been shaped as much by his discipline off the field as his skill on it. Former Team India bowling coach Bharat Arun recalled how Bumrah gave up his favourite junk food overnight to commit fully to his craft. “In 2013, Bumrah had come to the NCA for an Under-19 camp and pitched for selection. He couldn’t make the team, but he was in the 30-member camp at the National Cricket Academy,” Arun said on the latest episode of Bombay Sport Exchange.“In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodeled, but then the action was great, the ball was not going quick. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective? He could bowl quick, and so we had a discussion with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn’t want to touch his action because it’s very unique and generates a lot of pace. But it also puts him under stress.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Arun revealed how Bumrah responded to the challenge: “We called him and told him: to take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices. In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, he was working in the gym. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, milkshakes. But overnight he gave up everything. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat—but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving.” That commitment has made Bumrah invaluable to India. Having selected him in the 15-man Team India squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended India’s cautious management of his workload. “Clearly, we want him available for all the big games,” Agarkar said. “Most fast bowlers are monitored, but with him there’s extra attention because of how unique and special he is.” Bumrah, who will feature in the Asia Cup starting September 9, remains India’s most guarded pace asset, with his sacrifices continuing to fuel his success.