Jasprit Bumrah - From Being Mocked & Doubted To Becoming India's Pace Spearhead

When Jasprit Bumrah started troubling young batsmen with pace generated by his quick arm action and short run-up at his school's cricket academy, a few other pace-bowling trainees approached their

Gandhi, who runs a healthcare firm here at Changodar industrial area, which makes surgical goods like plaster, crepe bandage etc, had joined Trivedi's academy with Bumrah right after the two had completed their 10th.

"Even in early days, he would bowl at 135 kmph. His action was doubtful. But sir backed him to the hilt and pushed him ahead. He became known for pace. His mother, who was the only earning member, was worried about his future. But sir sought some time to groom him," said Gandhi, who trained with Bumrah for three years after which his father asked him to leave cricket and focus on studies. Gandhi was also a medium-pacer.

"He would get to meet all the top people, train at Motera thanks to (Kishore) sir's backing and support," adds Gandhi, who is not in touch with Bumrah for about five years i.e., since he made his India debut.

Bumrah appeared at under-19 selection trials where the youngster was met with opposition again.

Anil Patel, the current joint secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), was secretary of the Ahmedabad district body - the Central Board of Cricket Ahmedabad -- and had seen him bowling in city's M.G. Science College and asked him to come for trials.

"I was told by a friend of his that he was not that serious about cricket. But I asked him to come anyway," said Patel