I should not be a one-trick pony – Jasprit Bumrah reflects on his Player of the Match performance

Jasprit Bumrah led the charge for Team India once again as he claimed nine wickets in the second Test to walk away with the Player of the Match award as the hosts restored parity in the series. 

After pulling off an absolute knockout of a display in the first innings, Bumrah joined the party slightly late but managed to dismiss some set batters as he scalped the wickets of Jonny Bairstow (26), Ben Foakes (36) and Tom Hartley (36) to mop up the late resistance from the visitors.

Expectedly so, he won the Player of the Match for a defining performance in the first innings where he claimed six staggering wickets while backing up with a finishing act with three wickets in the second innings that helped India level the series 1-1.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Bumrah said, “As I said before, I don't look at numbers. As a youngster I did that and it made me excited. But now it's an added baggage. As a youngster that is the first delivery I learned (yorker). Had seen the legends of the game.”

He further added, “Waqar, Wasim and even Zaheer Khan. We're going through a transition so I feel it's my responsibility to help them in any way I can. We discuss certain things.”

Bumrah concluded by saying, “Have been playing with Rohit for a long period of time. No, not really competing with Jimmy. Before a cricketer, I'm a fast-bowling fan. If somebody's doing well, kudos to them. I look at the situation, at the wicket and think what are my options. I should not be a one-trick pony.”