Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have been rested for the first two ODIs against Windies,
Bhuvneshwar, on the other hand, has added quite a few yards of pace to his bowling, making him a difficult customer to negotiate. Together they are getting ready to wreak havoc on Australian on the upcoming tour down under.
In an exclusive chat with Indiatoday.in, Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar opened up about some of the aspects of their bowling and partnership. Here are the excerpts of the interview.
Bumrah said about Bhuvneshwar, “It's always very beneficial when you have an experienced partner at the other end. It's always very important when you are creating pressure as a unit, I have always told that.”
Bhuvneshwar too spoke about his added pace and variations, saying, “In 2016 South Africa series, I managed to add some pace to my game but didn't realise with additional pace you have to change a few other things; have to add variations. I worked with local coaches and team coaches who helped me to change a few things which are needed when you add pace. Ever since I started playing IPL, I realised you need variations. You can't survive on line and length. You need coaches around you who can guide you to get there.”
Bhuvneshwar was impressed by Bumrah’s variations and said, “His variations is what impress me. Of course, his length ball goes quicker than any other bowler in the team currently. But when he bowls slower ones and yorkers, those are totally different than anyone else. That's because of his unique action.”
Both also spoke about the impending 2019 World Cup and Bumrah said, “World Cup is too far. One step at a time has always been my philosophy.” Bhuvneshwar spoke, “The ultimate aim is to play and do well in the World Cup. But like Jasprit said can't think too far ahead. Focus is on West Indies, Australia and New Zealand. If we start thinking about the World Cup now, it's possible that we will lose focus from what we have to achieve before that.”
Finally, the two spoke about the biggest influences in their career, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Bumrah said, “Both are legends of the game. But I would want my own identity. I would always want to learn from them how they have contributed for India for so long. But for me my basic aim is to have my own identity.”
(Inputs: India today)