Michael Hussey, former Australia cricketer and Mumbai Indians player, recently recounted an incident involving Jasprit Bumrah and AB de Villiers during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Hussey revealed how he had to calm Bumrah after the fiery pacer gave an aggressive send-off to the legendary South African batter.
Jasprit Bumrah is now renowned for his composed demeanour and exceptional bowling skills across formats, but his early IPL days were marked by youthful exuberance. Bumrah made his IPL debut in 2013 for the Mumbai Indians under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, quickly rising through the ranks.
Sharing the dressing room with icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Hussey, Bumrah made an immediate impact. In his debut match, he stunned everyone by dismissing Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, finishing with impressive figures of 3/32. Despite his brilliance, Bumrah’s fiery temperament was evident during his early games.
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Michael Hussey recalled a particular match where Bumrah dismissed AB de Villiers and followed it with a fierce stare-down and an aggressive send-off. The gesture didn’t sit well with the usually composed de Villiers, prompting Hussey to intervene. Speaking on the Willow Talk Podcast, Michael Hussey shared how he guided the young pacer toward maturity and professionalism.
He explained, “He was so young and full of energy. After dismissing AB, he gave him a big send-off, which upset AB. I had to pull him aside and explain. I told him, ‘Mate, you’re incredibly talented. Taking a wicket is the biggest statement you can make. You don’t need to engage in send-offs if you want respect from your peers.’”
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Hussey’s advice clearly resonated with Bumrah, who evolved into a bowler admired not only for his skill but also for his calm and measured conduct on the field. The episode highlights the mentoring role experienced players play in shaping young talents, setting them on the path to greatness. Bumrah’s journey from a fiery youngster to a world-class pacer is a testament to his adaptability and commitment to excellence.
