RCB wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat revealed feeling highly anxious when he faced star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the first time during their IPL 2022 match against the Mumbai Indians. Rawat admitted that the experience of going up against Bumrah, known for his exceptional bowling skills, was nerve-wracking. Despite the pressure, Rawat’s candid confession highlights the challenges of facing one of the best bowlers in the game, making it a memorable moment in his IPL journey.
Anuj Rawat Shared His Recation of Facing Jasprit Bumrah:
MI, batting first on a tricky Pune pitch, managed 151/6 in their 20 overs, a subpar total. RCB’s chase began explosively with Anuj Rawat and captain Faf du Plessis opening the innings. Rawat delivered a powerful start, smashing two sixes off left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat. However, the intensity heightened when Jasprit Bumrah entered the attack, adding to the challenge of the run-chase.
Reflecting on the moment before facing Jasprit Bumrah, Anuj Rawat shared his thoughts, recalling the pressure of standing against one of the best bowlers in the world. He admitted feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation, making the experience a significant and memorable challenge in his career. He said, “ I had never faced him before. That was the first time. I was nervous for sure, probably 200 percent nervous I would say.”
Despite the initial nerves, Anuj Rawat felt confident and well-prepared to face Jasprit Bumrah, thanks to strategic planning with RCB’s batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, before the match. Their preparation helped Rawat approach the challenge with a clear mindset, equipping him to handle the fierce competition against one of the game’s top pacers.
He further said, “ Before that game against Mumbai Indians, our coach Sanjay [Bangar] sir had already sounded me off. He said ‘Agar Bumrah aaya, kya lagta hai, kya ball daalega? Kya karega? (What do you think Bumrah will bowl to you? What will he do?)’ I said, ‘He’ll bowl full, the length to flick the ball’. He said ‘Yes’, and literally that was the ball he bowled to me. He targeted my legs, but I worked it away for a couple of runs.”
He added, “ Like I said, Sanjay sir had already gotten me prepared, so I was settled but still, when you see Bumrah coming in, it does hit you a little.”
Anuj Rawat’s composed two runs off his first ball against Jasprit Bumrah boosted his confidence, setting the tone for his innings. He went on to score an impressive 66 from 47 deliveries before being run out with the match already secured. Rawat’s performance played a pivotal role in RCB’s comfortable victory.
Anuj Rawat’s Journey with RCB:
Anuj Rawat has been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from the 2022 to 2024 IPL seasons. However, since his impressive knock against Mumbai Indians in 2022, he hasn’t managed to score another half-century. Despite showing glimpses of his potential, he has struggled to replicate that standout performance.
Since his IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals in 2021, he has featured in 24 matches, accumulating 318 runs. His batting average stands at 19.88, with a strike rate of 119.10. While his overall numbers suggest room for improvement, Rawat continues to be a promising talent for RCB, looking to make more significant contributions in future campaigns.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
