Leading pacer on Team India, Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledged that he was upset for a few days after India lost to Australia in the Ahmedabad 2023 World Cup final. Meanwhile, the right-arm speedster stated that looking past setbacks and toward the future is a necessary aspect of the work.
The Men in Blue entered the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as clear favorites after winning ten straight games. Nevertheless, following a disciplined effort in all three game phases, Australia, captained by Pat Cummins, held the ultimate say.
The pacer implied that it wasn’t meant to happen for India on the day in an interview with The Guardian prior to England’s visit of India. He declared:
“I was at home, we’d won every game … you can’t just say it’s part of the game. It hurt. And it should hurt; we worked very hard, played good cricket. It’s not ideal but that’s the job, you have to move on … in six months there’s another [T20] World Cup. Some days, the big days, it’s meant to be and it will happen. You can’t get to the final if you’re not that good. It did hurt for a few days.”
Jasprit Bumrah
At 30, he took charge of India’s fast bowling, shattering rivals with the help of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. In the final showdown with Australia, Bumrah successfully removed Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith. However, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne powered forward, carrying their team to victory.
“Playing for India was my dream” – Jasprit Bumrah
The quick bowler, who was born in Ahmedabad, stated that his main ambition is to represent India. He declared:
“Playing for India was my dream and when I get tired, I always remind myself of this. That’s where the smile is from. A cricket career is limited, I won’t be doing it forever. I keep talking to myself and keep trying to enjoy it, because it means a lot to me.”
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah went on to say that he was drawn to fast bowling because of its intensity because he wants batters to sense his presence.
“As a fast bowler who learned through watching television, I thought that you had to get angry, you had to have a word with the batsman … and when I started playing junior cricket, I was that guy. I had to channel my anger because I am a fast bowler, I do get angry. I don’t want to get hit; I’m not here to entertain or give throwdowns, I want wickets, I am here to make you uncomfortable. But I don’t want to lose my shape or my zone.”
Jasprit Bumrah
Despite playing in the 2020–21 home series against England, Jasprit Bumrah saw little action since the spinners were so effective.