New Delhi: In a recent interview to the Indian Express, Indias Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra disclosed that Jasprit Bumrah holds the position of his favourite fast bowler. Adding an intriguing twist, Chopra also shared a valuable piece of advice that, according to him, could propel Bumrah to increase his pace on the field.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, was in attendance at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the 2023 ODI World Cup final between India and Australia. The atmosphere was electrifying as India, after a phenomenal campaign in the tournament, faced Australia in a bid to clinch the elusive trophy. Despite a valiant effort, India succumbed to a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat against Australia in the final.Bumrahs stellar performance in the World CupThroughout the World Cup, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his prowess, securing 20 wickets from 11 matches and playing a pivotal role in Indias journey. Despite Bumrahs stellar performance, Neeraj Chopra believes that a subtle adjustment in the fast bowlers run-up could unlock additional pace, making him an even more formidable force on the field.Chopras advice to BumrahExpressing his admiration for Bumrahs unique bowling action, Neeraj Chopra proposed a minor tweak that he believes could have a significant impact on Bumrahs pace. Chopra suggested that Bumrah should consider lengthening his run-up, drawing parallels with javelin throwing, where initiating the run-up from a slightly further distance often results in increased speed.Chopra stated, I feel he should lengthen his run-up to add more pace. As a javelin thrower, we often discuss how bowlers can increase their pace if they start their run-up from a little further back.Recalling Australias mental edgeReflecting on the World Cup final, Neeraj Chopra, known for his mental toughness in high-stakes situations, provided insights into Australias mental edge over India. He observed that the Australian team displayed a robust mindset from the beginning, and their confidence reflected in their gameplay during the summit clash.Chopra recounted, Maybe, somewhere mentally, the Australian team held an edge at the start. When they bowled, I found they had a strong mindset. In the end, they had completely flipped it over. They were confident about their game.Jasprit Bumrah on mentoringAs a world-class javelin thrower and a gold medallist at the World Championships, Neeraj Chopras advice carries weight, not only for its technical insights but also for the unique perspective he brings from his own athletic discipline. The parallel drawn between javelin throwing and fast bowling provides a fresh angle to consider in the quest for enhancing performance on the cricket field.A vision for elevated performanceIn the realm of sports, the exchange of insights between athletes from different disciplines often sparks innovation. Neeraj Chopras suggestion to Jasprit Bumrah opens the door to a vision for elevated performance, where unconventional adjustments can lead to a transformative impact.
