Team India’s star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, is making waves both with the ball and his wit. During the ongoing first Test between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Bumrah delivered a standout performance on the field but also made headlines for his light-hearted message to bat sponsors after his brief stint with the bat. Known more for his lethal pace and sharp bowling skills, Bumrah’s latest moment of humor came when he scored seven runs in India’s first innings, using a bat without a sponsor logo.
Bumrah’s Witty Appeal to Sponsors
On Day 2 of the Test, Bumrah came out to bat at No. 10 for India, contributing seven runs off nine balls before being the final Indian batter to be dismissed in the innings. While his contribution with the bat was brief, it caught the attention of fans and commentators alike for an amusing reason – Jasprit Bumrah was playing with a bat that lacked any sponsor stickers, a rare sight in professional cricket.
After the day’s play, Bumrah jokingly addressed the missing sponsor logos, stating, “I have scored some runs now. If anyone is looking, they know how to contact me.” His humorous comment instantly went viral on social media, drawing laughs and reactions from fans. Known for his understated yet effective humor, Bumrah’s message seemed to work, as bat manufacturers might soon be reaching out to him for potential deals.
Dominating with the Ball
While Bumrah’s wit was on full display, his real value came with the ball. He was instrumental in India’s dominance over Bangladesh, especially in the first innings. Bumrah picked up four crucial wickets for just 50 runs, ensuring that India bowled out Bangladesh for 230 in their first innings, giving the hosts a strong lead. His bowling figures not only cemented him as the leading wicket-taker for India in this match but also kept him at the forefront of India’s bowling attack in 2024.
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Bumrah’s four-wicket haul included the dismissal of Bangladesh’s key batsmen, with his precise line and length troubling the opposition throughout. His return to Test cricket after his last appearance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final has been nothing short of spectacular, and this match was no exception.
India’s Strong Hold on the Match
India’s first innings had been propelled by centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, who combined for a 167-run partnership, setting Bangladesh an imposing total of 515 to chase. Despite a decent start from Bangladesh’s openers, Bumrah and the rest of India’s bowling unit, including the ever-reliable Ravichandran Ashwin, wreaked havoc on the Bangladeshi batting lineup. Ashwin, with six wickets in the second innings, ensured India wrapped up a massive 280-run victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
Bumrah’s Remarkable 2024: A Year to Remember
Bumrah’s performance in this match has continued his stellar run in 2024. Having missed the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final due to a back injury, the pacer has made a strong comeback. His tally of wickets this year is already impressive, with 47 wickets across formats, making him the leading wicket-taker for India in 2024. In Test cricket, Bumrah has claimed 32 wickets in just six matches this year, placing him second on the list of bowlers with the most Test wickets in 2024, behind England’s Gus Atkinson.
Beyond his impressive stats, Bumrah’s return to form has been a huge boost for the Indian cricket team, especially with major tournaments on the horizon, including the ODI World Cup 2024.
Looking Ahead
As India looks ahead to the second Test against Bangladesh, Bumrah’s form with the ball is crucial for the team. His ability to swing the ball and generate pace on any surface makes him a key weapon in India’s bowling arsenal. With his infectious energy on the field and moments of light-heartedness off it, Bumrah continues to be a fan favorite, proving time and again that he is much more than just a fast bowler.
As for his bat sponsors, given Bumrah’s knack for entertaining both with the ball and with his words, it may not be long before a new logo appears on his bat, ensuring that his seven-run effort was not in vain.
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