Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar looking to learn the art of longevity from Dhoni and passion from Kohli

Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have been rested for the first two ODIs against Windies,

Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah have formed a deadly fast bowling combination for India | APJasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have formed a deadly partnership for India with both the new ball and the old ball in all formats. Bumrah got his Test debut in South Africa and also got a fifer later in the series and when Bhuvneshwar broke down before the England series, Bumrah carried the attack along with Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami.

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.”

Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have been excellent in Tests as wellBumrah said that he learnt control from Bhuvneshwar, “He has played a lot of cricket. What I always look to learn from him is his control. He can bowl any ball that he wants in any given situation. That is his biggest asset as a bowler. Now a days with the game going so fast, if you have accuracy, you have control, you can tackle any situation. That's what I also want to learn to develop - great control.

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.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and MS DhoniAbout Australia, Bhuvneshwar said, “It's a challenge for sure. If you look at it for the past few years, away from home, it has become easier to bat rather than in sub continent. It's more difficult for bowlers so it will be a challenge. But we know if we do well in. Australia it will be preparations for England (World Cup).

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.

Jasprit Bumrah, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli | ReutersBhuvneshwar said, “There is one thing to learn from both of them which is the passion that have playing for India for all these years. Having done it for so long is not an easy thing. Both have different style of batting and captainship but both have one thing in common which is their passion. When you talk and spend time with them that's what comes out and one gets to learn from.

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)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 19 Oct, 2018

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