Jasprit Bumrah’s distinctive bowling action has frequently drawn questions about its legality, but his earliest coach and bowling experts confirm it’s completely legitimate.
The Question That Started Early
From the very beginning of his career, Jasprit Bumrah’s unique bowling style raised eyebrows. His first coach, Kishore Trivedi, recalls how other young cricketers at his nets session in Ahmedabad immediately wondered if the then-teenager was “throwing” or genuinely bowling.
“Is he throwing or is this a correct action?” Trivedi remembers the confused questions from the boys. They found his action so unusual that they initially suspected it might not be legitimate.
Coach’s Firm Backing: “Don’t Change It!”
Despite the initial confusion, Coach Trivedi took three days to observe Bumrah’s action closely. He quickly concluded there was nothing illegal about it.
Trivedi firmly advised the young bowler not to alter his technique. He famously told Bumrah, “You should not change your action. That is your weapon. Don’t change anything about it.”
He emphasized that while Bumrah could adjust his line and length, his natural, original action was a key asset and should remain untouched.
Understanding the Science: Why It’s Legal
The persistent questions about Bumrah’s action also caught the attention of renowned bowling coaches. Ian Pont, a respected expert, took to social media to clarify the technical aspects that make Bumrah’s action legal.
Pont explained that the rule allows for a maximum of 15 degrees of elbow extension when the arm is above vertical. He pointed out that Bumrah’s arm shows a “forward flexion,” which is a hyperextension.
This hyperextension, where the joint moves in the same direction as the arm’s movement, is permissible for individuals with hyper-mobile joints. Therefore, Bumrah’s action falls well within the guidelines set for legal bowling.
A Teenage Prodigy’s Pace and Precision
Beyond the debates over his action, Coach Trivedi also vividly remembers Bumrah’s raw talent as a teenager. Even at 16, with a short run-up of just 10 or 12 yards, he could generate surprising speed.
His deliveries bounced so much that other boys were often hesitant to face him. Even then, Bumrah had already mastered a devastating yorker, a ball bowled right at the batsman’s feet, a skill he’s now famous for globally.
- Bumrah’s action involves hyperextension, which is a forward bend of the elbow.
- This specific type of hyperextension is legal under cricket’s rules, especially for those with hyper-mobile joints.
- Coaches have consistently confirmed the legality of his unique technique.
Jasprit Bumrah’s distinct action, once a source of doubt, has clearly become his most formidable weapon, proving the wisdom of his early coach’s advice.
