India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said he has left it to the Almighty to decide how long he can continue to play for the country, and is only focusing on preparing as best as he can.
His comments came after Day 3 of the Headingley Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he took 5/83 — his record third five-wicket haul in England. This was his first First-Class game since he picked up a serious back stress injury against Australia in Sydney in January that sidelined him for three months.
“People had said in all these years, some said, (I will play only) eight months, some said 10 months but now I have played 10 years of international cricket, 12-13 years of IPL,” Bumrah remarked in the post-day press meet.
“Even now people say (after every injury), he will be finished, he is gone. Let them say, I will do my own work. Every four months, these things will crop up, but jab tak Bhagwan ne likha hai tab tak khelunga, apna best preparation karta hu and uske baad chorh deta hu Bhagwan ke upar, jitni mujhe barkat di hai (as long as the Almighty wants, I will play. I prepare my best, and then will leave it on God as to how much more blessings he will bestow upon me) and take Indian cricket forward,” he added.
Bumrah added that he was not concerned about changing people’s opinions.
“What people write is beyond my control and I can’t advise people on what to write about me. My name in headline gets viewership but I don’t get bothered by that.”
The pacer is still unlikely to play all five Tests of the series. He has already confirmed he’s looking at playing three to manage his body and avoid a repeat of Australia.
