Opinion Express View: Jasprit Bumrah days

Every time Jasprit Bumrah explodes into his nine-step run-up, he provokes a melange of emotions. There is the thrill of watching a genuine fast-bowler. There is the wonderment of witnessing the skill of a one-of-a-kind cricketer. There is the hope that something dramatic will unfold. In that sense, Bumrah is the Shane Warne of fast bowling. And since he happens to be the country’s premier match-winner, most Bumrah days end with India finishing on top.

He can twist the ball, and the script of a game. He could cut the ball in and snake it away. He could swing the ball, white or red or pink. He could hit the head, toes or torso, the way he wishes. He could bowl as fast as the wind, he can even make it travel as slow as a passenger train. His bowling doesn’t depend on conditions or the pitch. Bumrah’s genius does not need the ratification of numbers, statistics only embellish his art. In 34 Tests, Bumrah has grabbed 155 wickets. Among those with 150 wickets, only Sidney Barnes has a better rate. The averages in shorter versions too are staggering — 23.55 in ODIs, 19.66 in T20s. He picks a wicket once in every five overs.

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But Bumrah needs to be protected against himself. The unnatural action could invariably force injuries, like the year before, in which he missed the T20 World Cup. The non-stop calendar could usher in fatigue, both physical and mental, and eventually force a premature burnout. His country, and the audience, want him to bowl as fresh as he can in every important tournament. Even more so this season, when the series against England is raging, there is the T20 World Cup in June and the series Down Under. There is the IPL too. India cannot afford to overexpose its golden goose, tempting though it is to play him in every game and tournament.