Jasprit Bumrah: India's Balance Point
On a warm evening in Dubai, Jasprit Bumrah took position at point. This was unusual for India’s premier fast bowler, who is typically seen steaming in to deliver precise yorkers. Yet there he was, calmly fielding at a position usually occupied by agile fielders like Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Suresh Raina, or Ravindra Jadeja.
During that high-tension game against Pakistan, the first legitimate ball found its way to him. Saim Ayub, attempting a cut shot, directed it straight toward Bumrah, who caught it cleanly. The bowler renowned for mastering bowling angles suddenly became the catcher of one.
Two days later, at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai, the memory of that moment returned. During a training session, fielding coach T. Dilip called Bumrah over for a drill. The bowler responded in jest:
“Ab toh point ka fielder ho gaya hoon main!” (I am a point fielder now!)
Dilip laughed but had him proceed with the exercise. Bumrah’s task was to guard the area between two sets of cones. While teammates dove to take low catches, Bumrah avoided most of the heavy work. Dilip ended his session early, remarking:
“I don’t want to stretch you.”
India manage Bumrah’s workload carefully in practice, reserving his intensity for matches. On September 16, before that short fielding session, Bumrah had already bowled to Sanju Samson, gradually extending his run-up until it reached full length. The scene illustrated how Bumrah embodies the balance within the Indian team—combining caution, versatility, and leadership.
Author’s Summary
Jasprit Bumrah’s brief stint fielding at point in Dubai reflects his versatility and the careful balance India maintains around their premier fast bowler.