"Bowled off spin, kept wickets, batted at six": Bumrah remembers college days
Mumbai, January 2
Indian pace superstar Jasprit Bumrah has recalled a game he played in college, where he donned a much different role from what he is famous for - a toe-crushing, swinging pace. Bumrah said he "bowled off spin, kept wickets and even batted at number six".
The video of Bumrah wearing wicketkeeping gloves during an Indian Premier League (IPL) training session was posted by the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise. In that video, Bumrah is seen having some fun with wicketkeeping gloves covering his hands, which usually have a shimmering cricket ball ready to cause a surprise.
"In a college game, for my university, there was that one game where I bowled off spin, kept wickets and did a stumping as well and batted at number six. I did everything!," he said.
Bumrah finished 2025 with 45 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 21.77 and an economy rate of 3.44, with three five-wicket hauls in 25 innings, all coming in Test matches and best figures of 5/27. He also won the Asia Cup with Team India and reached the playoffs with MI in IPL 2025, finishing with 18 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.55. This included a five-wicket haul, the seventh-highest wicket tally in the competition.
As Bumrah starts his year 2026, he will be aiming to become the eighth-Indian bowler and fourth Indian pacer to complete 500 international wickets, being 14 wickets shy of the landmark. He has taken 486 wickets in 224 matches at an average of 20.60, with 18 five-wicket hauls to his name and best figures of 6/19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Haha, can't imagine Bumrah bowling off-spin! 😂 But it shows his passion for the game. He just loves cricket, any role, any format. We need more players with this attitude. All the best for 500 wickets, Boom Boom!
Respect. Most fast bowlers, especially of his caliber, would never admit to doing these "lesser" jobs in college. Shows he's a team man first. His humility is as impressive as his yorkers.
The stats mentioned are insane. An economy of 3.44 in modern cricket? And now close to 500 wickets. He's not just a bowler, he's a match-winner. India is lucky to have him.
Fun story, but let's be honest, the article is just padding his achievements. We all know he's great. I'd rather read more about his recovery and fitness management. That's the real key to his success.
This is the kind of background that creates champions. Playing for the love of the game in college, not just focusing on one skill. Young fast bowlers should take note. All-round development is important!
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