"Rohit Sharma isn't rigid"- Jasprit Bumrah's subtle dig at Virat Kohli

Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah recently recalled his early days with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Jasprit Bumrah stated that he trusted skipper Rohit Sharma to set the field placements but later recognized the need to develop his own skills and not depend entirely on others.

Jasprit Bumrah made his debut for Mumbai in the 2013 season. The right-arm pacer secured just three wickets at an expensive economy rate of 10. He picked up five wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 7.59 in the 2014 season. Rohit backed Bumrah despite his disappointing outings in the IPL 2015.

The Gujarat pacer then became a crucial player for the Mumbai-based team in the subsequent editions. Bumrah made his debut for India in ODIs and T20Is in Australia in 2016. In the IPL, he has taken 165 wickets in 133 matches at an average of 22.52 and an economy rate of 7.30, with the best bowling figures of 5/10.

I Have To Learn My Own Craft - Jasprit Bumrah

Speaking on the Indian Express Adda show, Jasprit Bumrah shared his early days with the Mumbai Indians. Bumrah admitted that he used to trust Rohit Sharma for field placements. The fast bowler added that over time he realized the need to learn skills rather than being overly dependent on others.

"When I came into cricket, I actually didn't know a lot. When I started playing in the IPL as well, I even used to go and tell Rohit that you set the field, I don't know where the ball... I am going to bowl this ball. You set the field and I trust you. Whatever you feel is right, you set the field. Slowly, I realized that I cannot be overly dependent on someone because I have to learn my own craft," Bumrah said.

Bumrah played a crucial role in helping India lift the 2024 T20 World Cup last month. The right-arm pacer took 15 wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 4.18. He was named "Player of the Tournament" for his bowling performances. Meanwhile, Rohit was the leading run-scorer for India in the World Cup.

There Is No Senior Junior - Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah praised Rohit Sharma for creating a comfortable atmosphere for youngsters during the England series earlier this year. Bumrah revealed that Rohit made extra efforts to mentor the new players and push them to take responsibility.

"In the recent England series, when the youngsters came - Rohit made the atmosphere very comfortable, he took extra effort, he will take them out, he will talk to them about the game, he will try & push them to take the responsibility as the youngsters should think all are equally important, there is no senior - junior".

The 30-year-old stated that Rohit Sharma has evolved as a captain after learning from his mistakes. Bumrah stated that he is privileged to play under Rohit's captaincy for a long time.

"There is so much to learn from Rohit Sharma, how he has evolved as a captain - he has learned from mistakes, opened to feedback, he is not rigid, listens to everyone then finally filters it out - I am grateful & privileged to play under his captaincy for a long time."

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