This Star Indian bowler recalls the moment when he rescued Bumrah from Kohli

Jasprit Bumrah

Ishant Sharma, one of the best Test bowlers India has ever produced, is no longer “in the scheme of things” in terms of national selection. However, the seasoned bowler has excelled with the red ball throughout the years. While Jasprit Bumrah appears to have assumed the role of India’s “marquee bowler,” Ishant formerly ruled the roost for the side in white. Ishant told an unusual story about Virat Kohli, recalling an incident that happened when a young Bumrah joined the team.

Ishant admitted during a talk on Cricbuzz that he had always had high expectations for Bumrah. Ishant described a 2018 incident in which Kohli wanted to talk to Bumrah because of his poor first spell, but Ishant prevented him from doing so.

“I foresaw the day when Bumrah would assume leadership. When we were playing a Test match in Australia in 2018, I recall that his first spell did not go well. I should go and speak to him, Virat advised me. He is a pretty intelligent bowler, I replied. He is aware of it. De usko chhor. Leave him alone. Usko pata hai kya karna, kya nehi karna He is aware of what must be done). He is really smart in that regard. He is aware of the game and the circumstances. When you comprehend the circumstances, particularly in Test cricket, you can swiftly make a comeback, “he said.

Bumrah amassed a record-breaking 21 wickets in that particular series, including a 5-wicket haul that helped India win famously in Australia. Today, whether playing red-ball or white-ball cricket, Bumrah has made a name for himself as one of the best bowlers in the world.