“I am going to bowl this ball, you set the field” – Jasprit Bumrah on His Early IPL Days with Captain Rohit Sharma

Team India’s lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah has shared insights into his early interactions with skipper Rohit Sharma during their time together in the IPL. Bumrah recounted how he would inform Rohit of his bowling plans and then rely entirely on him to set the field accordingly.

Rohit and Bumrah, teammates for both India and the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL, have developed a formidable partnership. Their contributions were pivotal in India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup. While Rohit emerged as India’s top run-scorer in the tournament with 257 runs from eight innings, Bumrah earned the Player of the Tournament accolade by taking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.18.

Speaking on the Indian Express Adda show, Bumrah elaborated on his initial reliance on Rohit and how it influenced his game:

“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.”

While Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is after the World Cup win, Bumrah remains a crucial player for India’s defense of the ICC title in 2026.

Rohit Sharma to Lead ODI Side in Sri Lanka; Jasprit Bumrah Rested

Initially, reports suggested that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah would be rested for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. However, Rohit and Kohli have opted to participate in the ODIs, reportedly at the urging of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Bumrah, however, has been granted a well-deserved break.

Gambhir addressed the decision to rest Bumrah, emphasizing the importance of managing his workload:

“Workload management for someone like Bumrah is important. For Bumrah, because he is one rare kind of a bowler who anyone would want, so it’s our responsibility to try and have him fresh for most of the important games. Not just for Bumrah but for other fast bowlers too.”

Bumrah is one of the few Indian players who regularly features in all three formats of the game. To date, the 30-year-old has played 195 international matches, claiming 397 wickets at an average of 21.10, with 12 five-wicket hauls.

The synergy between Rohit and Bumrah has been a cornerstone of their success, both in the IPL and on the international stage. As they navigate their careers, their contributions continue to shape the future of Indian cricket.