Jasprit Bumrah may be among the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket but when he steps away from the field, it’s not wickets or records that dominate his mind.
In a conversation with Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, the Indian pacer opened up about how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective and why family will always come before cricket.
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What did Jasprit Bumrah say about prioritizing family over cricket?
Bumrah is now a father. He spoke with rare vulnerability about the grounding influence of family in his life.
While acknowledging his deep commitment to the sport, he made it clear that cricket doesn’t define him entirely.
"For me, family is more important than my career… I will not be a cricketer all the time. For them, I’m not a cricketer, I’m a human being," said Bumrah.
He explained that while both his career and family matter to him, the latter comes first. The support and love he receives at home - especially during difficult phases in his career - are what keep him steady.
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The 31-year-old fast bowler also reflected on his early experiences as a father. Sharing a personal anecdote, Bumrah said his young son had already begun playing with a ball - though perhaps a bit earlier than he’ wouldlike.
"He’s already picked up the ball and started playing… I’m recommending him to hit sixes as well because that’s where the trend is heading," he added.
For Bumrah, parenthood has brought balance. It has helped him switch off from the intense world of professional cricket and find peace away from the spotlight.
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"In cricket, that makes your job a little easier because there’s more to life. We as cricketers sometimes just think about our performance… But when I’m with my family, cricket is not the number one priority," he concluded.
Bumrah continues to be a mainstay in India’s bowling attack but this conversation offered a glimpse into the man beyond the game - a father, a husband and someone who knows that even the fastest deliveries must one day slow down.