Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, known for his calm demeanour on the field, surprised fans and experts alike with his fiery celebration during the ongoing fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The usually composed bowler charged toward Australian opener Sam Konstas after dismissing Usman Khawaja on the final ball of Day 1, displaying a rare burst of aggression.
Bumrah’s reaction sparked debate among cricket fans, prompting the fast bowler to address his approach to aggression during a recent interview with Forbes India. He clarified that while he is an aggressive competitor, he doesn’t believe in abusing batters to make his point.
“I’m Aggressive, But I Don’t Need to Abuse”
Speaking about his mindset on the field, Bumrah explained that his aggression is reflected in his body language and bowling style, not through verbal confrontations.
“I’m aggressive; it’s just that I don’t need to go and abuse the batsman,” Bumrah said. “When I was a kid, I saw bowlers on TV screaming and going head-to-head. But when I tried it, I became too aggressive, and it didn’t work in my favour.”
The 31-year-old pacer shared that he consciously worked on controlling his emotions after realising that going overboard affected his performance.
“When I’m nice and calm, people don’t know what’s going on in my head. That gives me a mental advantage,” he added.
Bumrah’s Philosophy on Aggression
Bumrah believes that bowlers need to be aggressive, especially in modern cricket, which heavily favors batters. However, his version of aggression is more about focus and intent rather than verbal battles.
“I’m not there to give throwdowns to batters. I’m there to do my job and make my team win,” he said. “But my way of aggression is different. My body language and the way I run in and bowl—that’s how I show aggression.”
While Bumrah prefers to stay in his zone, he doesn’t back down when challenged by opponents.
“I won’t lie; it happens. But I don’t start it. When it comes my way, I don’t back down either,” Bumrah explained. “It’s very easy for me to start that battle, but I don’t do it consciously because I want to stay in my moment.”
The Konstas Incident: What Happened?
The heated exchange between Bumrah and Australian debutant Sam Konstas occurred during the final hour of Day 1 at the SCG. The incident began when Khawaja took extra time to settle at the crease, disturbing Bumrah’s rhythm.
Konstas, standing at the non-striker’s end, made a comment that triggered Bumrah’s reaction. The Indian pacer, known for his composed personality, didn’t hold back this time.
On the very next ball, Bumrah forced Khawaja to edge one to KL Rahul at second slip. His celebratory charge toward Konstas added to the intensity of the moment, with Virat Kohli also joining in from the slip cordon.
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