Following a lengthy injury break, Jasprit Bumrah has made a triumphant return to this year’s Cricket World Cup, claiming eight wickets in India’s first three matches.
Leading Wicket-Taker in the Tournament
Bumrah, a right-arm fast bowler, currently shares the top spot for the most wickets taken in the tournament with New Zealand’s Mitch Santner and Matt Henry.
Unveiling the ‘Temple Point’ Celebration
His impressive wicket haul has given Bumrah numerous chances to showcase his new ‘temple point’ celebration, which bears a resemblance to the one used by Marcus Rashford, the England and Manchester United footballer. Bumrah has previously expressed his fondness for the English Premier League team.
Speaking to ICC Digital Insider Tanvi Shah after India’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, Bumrah said, “I had no intentions of making it viral or spreading it everywhere. It just came to my mind. I’d seen Rashford do it as well. I thought it was cool. There’s no particular big back story behind it. At the end I decided to do it. Usually I’m too tired to celebrate. But that is one occasion where I did celebrate.”
Iconic Celebration Debuts
Bumrah initiated the tournament with six wickets against Australia and Afghanistan, and introduced the now iconic celebration after dismissing opener Ibrahim Zadran in the second match.
Key Role in India’s Attack
The 29-year-old played a pivotal role in India’s attack against Pakistan, initially taking the new ball and restricting openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique. Bumrah returned when Pakistan was under pressure and claimed the crucial wickets of Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan with a pair of fiery deliveries, ending with 2/19 and earning the player of the match award.
India’s Convincing Start
India has started the Cricket World Cup on a high note, winning their first three matches convincingly as they aim to secure the trophy for the first time since 2011.
Focus on Recovery
“We’re not thinking about the momentum. The team is right now thinking about recovery,” Bumrah said. “We’ve played three games back-to-back and the result has been on the good side because our preparation has been good. The team vibe is also good. People are pretty relaxed. They’re looking to execute, they’re looking to have fun with each other. It’s a good place to be now.”
Next Match and Personal Life
India’s next match will be against Bangladesh on 19 October at MCA International Stadium in Pune. Bumrah will also have the chance to reunite with his wife and ICC Digital Insider Sanjana Ganesan, who recently gave birth to their son. “She is in Pune right now. So I’m going to see her tomorrow and the child,” Bumrah said. “Yes, we are new parents and we are dealing with it. Right now she is taking care of our child and she’s doing a phenomenal job. We are very happy parents. Still learning a lot of new tricks.”