'Wish I can take credit...' - Paras Mhambrey on 'freak' Jasprit Bumrah's success after comeback from injury

Team India's outgoing bowling coach Paras Mhambrey heaped praise on pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional bowling performances for the national team across formats. Paras Mhambrey described Jasprit Bumrah as a once-in-a-generation bowler that the game has seen in all three formats.

Paras Mhambrey joined India’s support staff in November 2021 under Rahul Dravid. Mhambrey concluded his tenure with the T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa last month. Bumrah struggled with a back injury during nearly a year of his tenure but delivered sensational performances upon recovery.

Bumrah was named "Player of the Tournament" for his consistent performances in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024. He took 15 wickets in eight matches at an impressive average of 8.26 and an outstanding economy rate of 4.17. The right-arm pacer registered 2/18 in his four overs in the summit clash.

Jasprit Bumrah Is A Freak - Paras Mhambrey

Speaking to Sportstar, Paras Mhambrey highlighted Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance across all formats, including T20s, ODIs, and Test cricket. Mhambrey also emphasized Bumrah's outstanding contributions to the game.

“I feel Bumrah is a freak. He is once-in-a-generation-bowler that this game has seen. If you look at each and every format – T20, he is up there, one-dayers he is up there, even Test cricket, he is right up there,” Mhambrey told Sportstar on Monday.

Wish I Can Take That Credit - Paras Mhambrey

Paras Mhambrey opened up about Jasprit Bumrah's remarkable comeback from injury. The former bowling coach stated that Bumrah deserves full credit for his recovery and continued excellence. Mhambrey added that Bumrah might be even more effective after his comeback than he was before.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to take credit, saying that I have told Bumrah: ‘this is the way we need to go. This is what you need to bowl’ you know. But I wish I can take that credit,” Mhambrey said.

“But the credit completely goes to him. Just the way he just bounced back from that injury, was heartening to see. I haven’t seen many people going through a back surgery, coming back and being as or may be more effective than what he was earlier."

Mhambrey admired Bumrah's maturity, emphasizing that his role extends beyond just winning matches. He highlighted Bumrah's responsibility as a mentor and guiding influence for younger team members.

“There is lot of maturity out there, ready to willingly take responsibility in the team. He knows that his job is not only to go and win games for the country, which he does fabulously, but his role is a lot more to be the guiding light around the younger guys.”

Jasprit Bumrah has played for India in 36 Tests, 89 ODIs, and 70 T20Is. The 30-year-old pacer has taken 159 wickets in Tests, 149 wickets in ODIs, and 89 wickets in T20Is. The right-arm pacer is expected to return in India's upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which features three T20Is and three ODIs.

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