‘MS gives me confidence to express myself’

It’s been a hectic five months of non-stop cricket for young Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The 22-year-old has just completed a fairly good IPL season for Mumbai Indians, having scalped 15 wickets in his 14 appearances for the franchise. And up next, it’s the tour of Zimbabwe scheduled from June 11 to 20, with M.S. Dhoni leading the side.

Having achieved success in such a short span of time, Bumrah feels all the fame has not affected him and is still the same lad at home. India’s latest bowling sensation spoke about his journey so far. Excerpts:

Are you taking some rest right now or have you already started preparing for the Zimbabwe tour After the IPL, I have taken a few days off. I have been playing cricket for a long time — right from October I have been playing in the Ranji trophy and then the Australia tour happened. So it was good to take some time off and be with my family. Probably after one or two days I will start my routine again.

How has life changed after donning India colours Has fame and money got to you No, not at all, I am still the same person. I hang out with the same friends and lead the same lifestyle. But people recognise me now, that is the only difference.

I do the same things like I used to do earlier as well. I just stay at home and spend time with my family and friends. I want to do well in cricket and am not behind fame and glamour.

How much of a difference does it make to a bowler, especially at a young age, when a skipper like Dhoni expresses his confidence in you It’s always very good. It gives me the confidence to express myself because he has that self belief. I can show my capability. It also gives me the confidence to do all the things I know I can do best. It’s the best feeling for a youngster who has come into the side.

What really goes on in your head when you are handed the ball in the death overs I don’t try to think too much. I just try to execute the plans which we have decided in the bowlers’ meeting or the plans that were made earlier. I stick to my strengths. See, some days the plans won’t work but if you have a player-plan then you will be able to do well more often than not.

Thinking about the plan and execution will help you, rather than thinking about the pressure or the outcome.