Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has shared a striking memory of facing a young Jasprit Bumrah, recalling how the teenage pacer left him struggling during a net session.
Speaking to Michael Vaughan, Yuvraj revealed that he faced Bumrah when the latter was just 16 and already bowling with remarkable pace.
“Stop bowling to me”
Yuvraj said the encounter took place while he was recovering from cancer and trying to return to cricket. Bumrah’s raw pace and bounce made the session extremely difficult.
“I told him, ‘Stop bowling to me… whoever you are!’” Yuvraj recalled, highlighting how challenging it was to face the young pacer at that stage.
Raw pace and deceptive bounce
Despite lacking refined skills at the time, Bumrah’s speed and awkward action stood out. Yuvraj noted that his deliveries consistently rose sharply, troubling him around the rib area.
Even at a young age, Bumrah showed signs of the qualities that would later define his bowling.
From raw talent to world’s best
Since then, Bumrah has evolved into one of the finest fast bowlers in modern cricket. Yuvraj believes he is currently the best in the world, citing how batters avoid attacking him.
“He’s very smart, highly skilled, and difficult to read,” Yuvraj said, adding that players often prefer to rotate strike rather than take risks against him.
Key role in India’s success
Bumrah has been a crucial figure in India’s rise across formats and recently played a major role in the team’s T20 World Cup success. He continues to be a key player, currently representing Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.