World Cup 2023: I just want to enjoy and play with freedom – Jasprit Bumrah on handling pressure

The expectations are always huge from India’s gun fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler recently returned to International action after being out for a long time with a back injury. Bumrah has been able to hit the ground running and he has been ticking the right boxes in the ongoing World Cup.

The ace pacer said he wants to enjoy the game and play with freedom in order to get the best out of himself. Bumrah said he doesn’t pay much attention to the outside noise and tries to play without any pressure.

Bumrah has been at his best in the ongoing ODI showpiece, returning with eight wickets in three matches at an impressive average of 11.62. The right-arm pacer returned with figures of 2-19 in the seven overs he bowled against Pakistan in the previous match.

Bumrah accounted for a well-settled Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan and he was awarded Player of the Match for his fine bowling display.

Speaking to ICC, Bumrah said, “I am very different in how I look at expectations, the outside world, noise and what people perceive about us because I don’t really give it a lot of attention and am really detached from all of that. I understand that cricket is loved a lot in this country and we have a lot of following but to me personally, it doesn’t really matter.”

“I want to just enjoy the game, give it my best shot, play with a lot of freedom and not think about playing at home. At the end of the day my thought process is that I’ll go out there, play with freedom which will give me the best chance to perform to the best of my abilities,” he added.

On the other hand, Bumrah is perceived to be a serious student of the game and a man of few words. However, Bumrah revealed he has a contrasting personality when he is at home.

“I have had this conversation with my wife. What I am perceived by the normal people is that i am quite serious and always focussed and a man of few words. But that’s exactly not the case at home, I am never serious. I always have a lot of fun and chilled out so just a normal guy following his dream with an opportunity to play for his country.”

Bumrah is going to hold the key for India in the upcoming matches. India will meet Bangladesh at Pune on Thursday.