Asia Cup 2025: As India prepares for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah turned heads in an unexpected way – not with his fiery yorkers, but with a cheeky display of left-arm spin in the nets.
Ahead of the Super 4 dead rubber against Sri Lanka in Dubai, Bumrah was spotted imitating Ravindra Jadeja’s iconic action, much to the amusement of teammates and coaches. Under the watchful eye of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, Bumrah rolled his arm over with remarkable Jadeja-like rhythm before casually switching back to his regular pace bowling – albeit with a shorter run-up.
While it was all in good fun, the moment captured the lighter side of a player known for his steely focus and ruthless efficiency with the new ball.
In video of TOI, Bumrah can be seen bowling:
Bumrah’s Bowling – Still as Dangerous as Ever
Despite the spin antics, Bumrah’s on-field performance in the tournament has been anything but playful. In four games, he has claimed five wickets at an average of 22 and a solid economy of 7.33. His standout performance came against Bangladesh, where he delivered a clinical spell of 2/18, leading India to a comfortable 41-run victory.
Though he had a rare off day in the Super 4 clash against Pakistan, Bumrah has largely looked lethal with the new ball, swinging it both ways and applying relentless pressure up front. His workload, however, is being carefully managed. He was rested against Oman, a clear indication of how crucial he is to India’s plans heading into the final.
Return to Fitness a Massive Boost
At 31, Bumrah’s return to full fitness is among the biggest positives for India this year. Having missed a significant stretch of cricket in 2024 due to a back injury, his resurgence has been well-calibrated. The medical and support staff have been meticulous in ensuring that he remains fresh for the biggest matches and there’s none bigger than an India vs Pakistan final.
Not the First Time He’s Bowled Spin
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Bumrah has tried his hand at spin. He has often been seen playfully turning his arm over in the nets, showing a surprisingly good feel for it. While fans shouldn’t expect to see him bowl left-arm spin in a match any time soon, it’s a reminder of the relaxed and confident atmosphere within the Indian camp – a sign of a team that’s not just winning but also enjoying its cricket.
As India braces for the final showdown on September 28, Jasprit Bumrah will once again be central to the team’s fortunes. Whether it’s unsettling the top order with express pace or mimicking Jadeja in the nets, one thing is clear – Bumrah is back, and he’s loving every moment of it.