Brisbane: It is an undeniable fact that Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler. The crowd's reaction to his performance and the evident apprehension among Australian batters highlight this truth. Each delivery he bowls poses a unique challenge, whether it serves as a strategic setup, a solution to a problem, or an extraordinary delivery.

However, the Australian players are also aware that if they can successfully navigate through Bumrah's overs, opportunities for runs will present themselves. Currently, India's bowling attack heavily relies on Bumrah's contributions.

In the ongoing series, Bumrah has claimed 18 wickets, while the remaining Indian bowlers have collectively taken 22. To grasp the implications of this disparity, one must consider Australia's statistics, where the workload is more evenly distributed among their pace bowlers: Mitchell Starc has taken 13 wickets, Pat Cummins 11, Josh Hazlewood 6, and Scott Boland 5.

This situation places continuous pressure on India's batters, a contrast to the relative ease experienced by their Australian counterparts. Ideally, Bumrah would hope for greater support from his teammates. Nevertheless, he remains patient and understanding.

“We do not assign blame within the team, nor do we wish to adopt a mindset of finger-pointing,” Bumrah stated after his impressive six-wicket haul in Australia's first innings during the Brisbane Test. “Our team is undergoing a transition, with many new players joining, and competing in Australia is particularly challenging. The conditions here present a unique set of difficulties.

“It is my responsibility to assist my teammates. I have more experience than some of them. However, everyone will learn from this experience, improve, and discover various approaches. This is the journey we must undertake. No one is born with all the necessary experiences or skills. Continuous learning and self-discovery are essential, and I am confident that better outcomes will emerge.”

While it may hold for Harshit Rana or Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj was anticipated to perform at a higher level. Having previously played in Australia, his ability to support Bumrah in taking wickets could have allowed India to apply more consistent pressure on the Australian team.

“I must commend him for pushing through despite a minor injury; he continued to bowl and contributed to the team’s efforts, understanding that if he were to step back, the team would face increased pressure,” Bumrah remarked. “His attitude and fighting spirit are commendable, qualities that the team appreciates, and I admire as well. This resilience is a significant asset for any cricketer; he remains committed to the team's cause.”

However, while Bumrah defends his teammates, there is a concern that the burden of expectations might become overwhelming. Nevertheless, he remains enthusiastic about the challenges ahead.

“So far, it has been positive,” Bumrah stated. “I find various challenges intriguing; the Test match we played in Perth presented a unique pitch, while the pink ball in Adelaide behaved differently. Here, the conditions are distinct due to the elevated pitch and lower run-up, which contrasts with what we are accustomed to at the state level. It presents an interesting challenge, and I am eager to tackle it and seek solutions.”

Bumrah's performance against Australia has been exceptional, with 50 wickets at an average of 17.82 across 10 matches. His expectations are self-imposed.

“All players are expected to excel,” Bumrah noted. “I cannot carry additional burdens. In my younger days, I may have been influenced by fans and external opinions, but I no longer take such views to heart. I do not allow myself to be swayed by praise or the weight of expectations. Instead, I focus on self-assessment and finding the necessary solutions.”

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