Jasprit Bumrah Is A Class Act: Sunil Valson Highlights Evolution Of Fast Bowling In India

Sunil Valson, a left-arm fast bowler, was part of the Indian squad during the 1983 Prudential Cup. Although he didn't play a match, he cherishes the team's victory. The film '83' captures those historic moments for those who missed them. Valson recently shared insights on how fast bowling in India has evolved over the years.

Valson rarely gives interviews but spoke to MyKhel about the transformation in Indian fast bowling. He highlighted how bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah have become crucial players worldwide. "Bumrah is a class act and a fantastic case study of how India cricket manages fast bowlers today," said Valson.

In the 70s, breaking into the national team as a fast bowler was tough. Valson recalled Bishan Bedi's encouragement to bowl fast at nets with the Indian team. He also mentioned Mohinder Amarnath's valuable feedback during his prime playing days.

Valson praised Bumrah's resilience after injury and his role as a leading bowler. "He is once in a lifetime bowler, despite his unconventional action," he stated. Valson believes Bumrah should be preserved for key matches against challenging opponents.

The IPL has significantly impacted Indian cricket by nurturing local talent. Valson acknowledged this change, saying, "I will give full credit to the IPL for this change." He noted that young bowlers like Harshit Rana have seized opportunities and excelled in domestic tournaments.

Valson observed that Indian fast bowlers are now fearless and aggressive. This shift in mindset is evident in their performances both domestically and internationally. The IPL has played a vital role in providing exposure and experience to these players.

Support Systems for Fast Bowlers

Comparing past and present support systems, Valson highlighted improvements. In 1983, there were no doctors or physios with the team; they relied on local help. Today, facilities like the NCA ensure injured players like Bumrah receive proper care and rehabilitation.

Mohammed Shami's recovery from injury exemplifies this support system's effectiveness. Valson noted Shami's successful return to domestic cricket as evidence of well-planned rehabilitation processes now available to players.

Bumrah's Future and Captaincy

Valson expressed his views on Bumrah's future role in Indian cricket. He suggested that captaincy might not be ideal for Bumrah long-term due to its potential burden. "This is my personal view," he emphasised, hinting at preserving Bumrah's focus on bowling.

The former Delhi cricketer also commented on how IPL auctions now recognise Indian fast bowlers more than before. This shift indicates growing appreciation for homegrown talent over overseas players.

A Memorable Gathering of 1983 Team Members

The 1983 World Cup team recently reunited in New Delhi, thanks to Kapil Dev's efforts. They attended Mohinder Amarnath's book launch event titled "Fearless: A Memoir." It was an enjoyable evening where they reflected on Indian cricket's progress over time.

The gathering highlighted their happiness with how Indian cricket continues evolving positively while ensuring better care for its players today compared to earlier times when resources were limited or unavailable altogether.