Ahead of Test series against England, Jasprit Bumrah recalls his altercation with James Anderson during India’s famous win at Lords

India has always been an indomitable force in their home conditions ever since they started playing cricket and only two teams have beaten them at their home since the beginning of this century. India was never looked upon as a good travelling team which often gave them a tag of home bullies, who could only win in certain conditions. 

How did Virat Kohli transform the Indian Test setup? 

But when Virat Kohli came to the helm of the captaincy affairs took the responsibility to change the scenario and aspired to make India an outfit that could win in every condition no matter what. Virat was eventually successful in doing so when he was in charge, India won two Test series and was able to draw one by 2-2 in England while maintaining their dominant home record.

To Test wins outside India one of the most crucial aspects is a lethal pace attack which could dismantle the opposition's batting order and under his captaincy Virat Kohli was able to create one in the form of Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj. Jasprit Bumrah emerged out to be the leader of this fast-paced attack who with his awkward action and pinpoint accuracy wreaked havoc on the opposition

One of the highlights of Bumrah's career was his famous altercation with England bowling great James Anderson during India's famous victory at Lords in 2021. Jasprit Bumrah bowled a barrage of bouncers to James Anderson to intimidate or give it back to him which James Anderson didn't take very well.

Jasprit Bumrah recalled his altercation with Anderson

In an interview with the Guardian, Bumrah recalled that incident and said, I was tired, I thought the last wicket was there, I tried to push to bowl fast. I went up to him, asked ‘Are you OK?’ and didn’t get a good response. So that brought back some young memories; of trying to be the nice guy and it not being taken well. And it triggered the whole team. It was red mist but it was channelled. Fighting and playing is second nature to us; controlling that is self-taught,” 

He further said, “As a fast bowler who learned through watching television, I thought that you had to get angry, you had to have a word with the batsman … and when I started playing junior cricket, I was that guy. But in trying to do those antics, I realized that’s not me, that’s not helping me focus on the job at hand. I had to channel my anger because I am a fast bowler, I do get angry. I don’t want to get hit; I’m not here to entertain or give throwdowns, I want wickets, I am here to make you uncomfortable. But I don’t want to lose my shape or my zone.”