Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has chosen to let fate decide the course of his cricketing journey. Following a remarkable five-wicket haul on Day 3 of the Headingley Test in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, Bumrah reflected on his comeback and the unpredictability of life as an international cricketer.
With figures of 5 for 83, it marked his third five-wicket haul in England, a personal milestone in a country that has often brought out his best.
It was Jasprit Bumrah’s first appearance in a First-Class match since sustaining a stress-related back injury during the Sydney Test against Australia earlier in the year, an issue that kept him off the field for nearly three months. Despite such setbacks, he remains unbothered by doubts over his career longevity.
He shared that over the years, many have tried to predict the end of his career, with some claiming that he wouldn’t last beyond eight to ten months. Now, after completing a decade in international cricket and over a dozen seasons in the IPL, he sees those comments as noise.
Jasprit Bumrah believes his only responsibility is to stay prepared and leave the rest in the hands of a higher power. He says that as long as he continues to receive divine blessings, he will serve Indian cricket with full commitment.
He also addressed the persistent chatter around his fitness and form, noting that such speculation resurfaces every few months, particularly after injuries. Yet, it does not distract him. He emphasised that he does not concern himself with public perception or media narratives, even if his name helps generate headlines. He feels that it is beyond his control and not something he wishes to advise anyone about. Instead, he focuses on his own work, trusting that effort and preparation will take him as far as destiny allows.
Here’s what Jasprit Bumrah said in the post-day press meet, “People had said in all these years, some said, (I will play only) eight months, some said 10 months but now I have played 10 years of international cricket, 12-13 years of IPL.”
He further said, “Even now people say (after every injury), he will be finished, he is gone. Let them say, I will do my own work. Every four months, these things will crop up, but jab tak Bhagwan ne likha hai tab tak khelunga, apna best preparation karta hu and uske baad chorh deta hu Bhagwan ke upar, jitni mujhe barkat di hai (as long as the Almighty wants, I will play. I prepare my best, and then will leave it on God as to how much more blessings he will bestow upon me) and take Indian cricket forward.”
Bumrah added, “What people write is beyond my control and I can’t advise people on what to write about me. My name in headline gets viewership but I don’t get bothered by that.”
Click here to watch the video of the media interaction
While Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role in England’s first innings collapse, his workload is being carefully managed. He is expected to feature in only three of the five Tests, with the team prioritising his long-term fitness after the lessons learned from his injury in Australia.
At stumps on Day 3, India were firmly in control, leading by 96 runs with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill steady at the crease. Jasprit Bumrah, assessing the conditions at Headingley, described the pitch as two-paced but still favourable for batting.
He explained that the surface wasn’t threatening and only occasionally aided bowlers through swing, especially with the new ball and cloudy weather. With that in mind, he expressed the importance of the Indian batting unit securing a substantial total in the second innings to offer the bowlers a comfortable cushion.
