Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Jan 23: Cricket followers often divide Indian batting into the pre- and post-Tendulkar eras, and when it comes to pace bowling, a similar line is now being drawn around Jasprit Bumrah. As the Gujarat pacer completes 10 years in international cricket on Friday, his journey stands as one of persistence, innovation and sustained excellence.

First spotted by the cricketing world during the IPL in 2013, when he dismissed Virat Kohli on debut despite being hit for boundaries, Bumrah instantly caught attention for his unorthodox action and deadly yorkers. While sceptics questioned the longevity of his bowling action and his suitability for longer formats, Bumrah continued to defy expectations at every stage of his career.

His international debut came in dramatic fashion during the fifth ODI against Australia in Sydney on January 23, 2016. Initially part of the T20I squad, Bumrah stayed back due to travel issues, only to be drafted into the ODI XI after Bhuvneshwar Kumar fractured his thumb. Then captain MS Dhoni trusted his instinct and handed Bumrah ODI cap No. 210, a decision that paid rich dividends as the pacer returned figures of 2/40, including the prized wicket of Steve Smith. By the end of the tour, Dhoni famously termed him the “find of the series”.

Bumrah’s deceptive action, with a late release point closer to the batter, has since troubled some of the world’s best batters, including Smith, AB de Villiers and Joe Root. While he has made an impact across all formats, it was T20 cricket that truly showcased his value, particularly for Mumbai Indians, where Rohit Sharma often used Bumrah’s overs as his biggest weapon.

His influence was again evident during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where his spell of 3/14 against Pakistan in New York helped India defend a modest total, and his composure in the final against South Africa played a crucial role in sealing the title. Bumrah finished the tournament with a remarkable economy rate of 4.17, the best among bowlers who played five or more matches.

Across 84 T20 internationals, Bumrah’s career economy of 6.42 underlines his consistency, especially given that he bowls in all phases of the game — powerplay, middle overs and the death. Beyond numbers, his presence itself has a calming effect on the team, offering captains confidence that a breakthrough is always around the corner.

As India prepares to defend its T20 World Cup title on home soil, Bumrah’s role will once again be pivotal. Over the past decade, he has not just led India’s pace attack but has redefined it — making the “post-Bumrah era” a benchmark for fast bowling excellence.