'We tried changing Bumrah’s action': Ex-IND coach reveals unheard story; 'Jasprit you need to be like a bull'

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah (BCCI Photo)

Jasprit Bumrah is a national asset and BCCI are maintaining extra caution on handling the pacer's workload. The debate around the same amplified during the recently-concluded England series, where Bumrah featured in just three out of the five Tests, something that was decided much before the players left for UK. He is now named in India's Asia Cup squad, where he will spearhead the pace attack.

While Bumrah's fitness continue to remain a hot topic among cricket enthusiast, ex-India bowling coach Bharat Arun shared an unheard story about the pacer from his younger days. During the conversation, Arun disclosed how the coaching team also tried remodelling Bumrah's action but decided against it as the latter's pace dropped significantly.

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“In 2013, Bumrah had come to the NCA for an Under-19 camp and pitched for selection. He couldn’t make the team, but he was in the 30-member camp at the National Cricket Academy," Arun said on the latest episode of Bombay Sport Exchange.

“In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodeled, but then the action was great, the ball was not going quick. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective? He could bowl quick, and so we had a discussion with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn’t want to touch his action because it’s very unique and generates a lot of pace. But it also puts him under stress," he added.

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However, Bumrah was then advised about his work regime, something the pacer instantly started following. Bumrah was asked to sacrifice junk such as burgers, pizzas, milkshakes.

“We called him (Bumrah) and told him: ‘To take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices.’ In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, he was working in the gym," Arun recalled.

“Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, milkshakes. But overnight he gave up everything. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat—but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving," he added.