Bharat Arun recalls Virat Kohli’s praise for a young Jasprit Bumrah


image-ldrj7xf5Bumrah and Kohli in action for India (Twitter)

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is widely hailed as one of the few batters to have mastered the art of batting across all formats. Only a handful of bowlers have managed to challenge him in his illustrious international journey, let alone during his peak batting years between 2016 and 2018.

Jasprit Bumrah, who made his international debuts in all three formats during the same phase, seems to have troubled the batting legend with his sheer pace and accuracy, as per a story shared by a former member of the coaching staff.

Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun has recalled one of the earliest face-offs at the nets between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, two of the master craftsmen of their respective trades.

Bumrah, who made his limited-overs debut in 2016, donned the Indian whites for the first time nearly two years later on a trip to South Africa. Under Kohli’s leadership, the team reached South Africa 10 days prior to the commencement of their Tests.

Arun said that the then Indian captain was left impressed by Bumrah upon facing the latter at the nets. He added that the batting maverick even walked up to then coach Ravi Shastri and lavished praise on the young speedster.

While speaking on CricBuzz, the ex-Indian bowling coach said“We had a centre-wicket practice. And Virat was so impressed with Bumrah. I still vividly remember Virat, after playing him, came to Ravi and said, ‘Ravi, he was the toughest bowler to face. I couldn’t figure out when he is releasing the ball and I pick him a fraction later than the other bowlers.’”


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