Jasprit Bumrah’s white keds – laced and velcroed both – had the initials JB93 inscribed on their sides in black in Adelaide on Friday. (AP/Instagram)
India’s bowling MVP Jasprit Bumrah celebrated his 31st birthday unveiling a pair of wicked spiked sneakers at the Adelaide Oval. The white keds – laced and velcroed both – had the initials JB93 inscribed on their sides in black.
Talking to Fox Cricket on his birthday, Bumrah explained 1993 was the year he was born, though he had his preferences early on for the No 12. “I was born in 1993, so that’s it,” he said, before adding, “When I came into the side I wanted the No 12 … But at that time, Yuvraj Singh had that number. So for his seniority I gave him that number… I chose this one,” he quipped.
Bumrah turns 31 and is in the middle of a magical comeback from injury 16 months ago, a time in which he made the ODI World Cup finals, won the T20 World title, and is now pushing India to seal the World Test Championship spot, by beating Australia. Down Under, cricket loves are in thrall of the pacer, and he was asked by Fox Cricket for their insta channel, how it felt being compared to greats like Michael Holding and Cutely Ambrose, other champions who wowed the Aussies.
Bumrah stressed he was graciously accepting of the compliments but didn’t let them go to the head. “Obviously I don’t take all of these things seriously. I enjoy bowling. I started this sport because I enjoy bowling, I look forward to bowling and enjoying all the time,” he told Fox.
He added that staying level-headed was a conscious decision. “Yes accolades do come, but I don’t go too high. And when disappointments come I don’t go too low,” he said.
But the India great was riding the highest of the Test win at Perth. “But obviously I had a lot of fun last game. My first Test win as captain, it was very special to me,” he said.
