After another impressive performance in the limited overs format against England, Jasprit Bumrah is back with the Gujarat side for the Vijay Hazare domestic ODI starting on Saturday. The India fast-bowler speaks about death bowling, his Test ambitions and more. Excerpts.
You have done well in the shorter formats. How keen are you to play in Tests and how prepared are you?
It is always a dream to play Test cricket but I don’t focus on selections. I try to do well wherever I play.
I did well this year in the Ranji Trophy also. I have bowled long spells for India A and in the Ranji Trophy, so I am mentally prepared for that.
You are good bowling at the death. Do you fear you could be typecast as a ODI or a Twenty20 bowler?
It doesn’t matter to me what people think. My preparation is different for every format.
In Ranjis I focus on a consistent line and length, bowling longer spells, using the shorter ball and trying to swing the ball.
In shorter formats, you have to use the slower balls and yorkers. People have only seen me bowling with the white ball. I have the confidence that if I get a chance, I can show what I am capable of.
You have interacted with Lasith Malinga previously. This time Mitchell Johnson will also be with Mumbai Indians. What are the things you would be asking them?
I played with Johnson in 2013 when I graduated from the under-19. I have good memories with them. I usually talk to Malinga on death bowling issues.
I ask him for his suggestions. It is always good to have a word with him, what he thinks and what I should try.
How do you plan on a batsman like Virat Kohli?
It’s difficult. He is a master batsman. You have to always have a clear plan and try to stick to it even if it doesn’t go your way. You try to think like a batsman and think where the batsman will hit.
The game is towards the batsman with short boundaries and flat wickets. So you have little margin for error. You fix that this is the ball you are going to bowl and believe on that ball.
