Sportspersons are expected to be like warriors because they are picked to represent the country and should never lose sight of the fact that they may have to conquer pain and other hurdles for the country’s flag to fly high
Jasprit Bumrah. Pic/AFP
Amidst the euphoria of the Indian cricket team’s remarkable win over England in the recent Oval Test, where the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar series ended 2-2, there is hard talk flowing about Jasprit Bumrah not playing the entire series.
That Bumrah would not be part of all five Test matches was known before the first ball of the opening Test at Leeds was bowled. Eyebrows were raised initially, but it didn’t take time for rage to set in when Bumrah didn’t play the second Test at Birmingham, where India needed him to neutralise England’s series lead. Luckily for the visitors, a historic victory was achieved in Birmingham — their first at the venue in India vs England rivalry. Bumrah played the third Test at Lord’s, but his seven scalps in the Test went in vain.
The fourth Test was drawn at Manchester, where Bumrah played. Hopes were raised that the world’s most feared fast bowler would figure in the series-decider at the Oval, but he didn’t. Critics refused to belt up, even as some allowances should be made for the danger of breaking down, which could lead to greater harm to our fast bowling treasure’s body. India got lucky again as others in the Mohammed Siraj-led bowling attack stepped up to guide India to a famous win on Monday. Amidst the heartburn over Bumrah, it was the best possible end for India.
Sportspersons are expected to be like warriors because they are picked to represent the country and should never lose sight of the fact that they may have to conquer pain and other hurdles for the country’s flag to fly high.
Bumrah has been the envy of world cricket. Some experts feel he is the greatest fast bowler to emerge from Indian shores. But the Bumrah issue has to be viewed in perspective. While he can’t be treated as a villain, he ought not to be given superhero status either. Mind you, he hasn’t played a significant role in critical final Tests of the Australia tour earlier this year and now, England.
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