Hard work shines through when you watch Jasprit Bumrah, says Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. Not long ago, his rhythm felt off; now it flows like timing perfected over seasons. Growth isn’t always loud – sometimes it’s measured in quiet sessions after practice. The way he carries himself adds weight to his craft, more than stats ever could. Improvement didn’t come fast, yet persistence carved its mark slowly. Years folded into sharper focus, stronger deliveries, clearer decisions. People see pace. Those close see discipline shaping every seam position. Even small changes speak volumes if they last. Respect follows effort that never asks to be noticed.
Facing reporters before the IPL 2026 clash with Rajasthan Royals, Paras looked back on Bumrah’s path – how he grew from a quiet teen into someone recognized everywhere. While answering questions, memories surfaced of early days, moments most had forgotten. That shift, subtle at first, now impossible to ignore. Time reshaped him, sure, yet it was choices more than years that built who stands today. People see fame, but those close know persistence did heavier lifting. Even rivals admit: few work like he does. From raw talent to steady force, each phase brought sharper focus. Not luck, nor sudden breaks, just daily effort piling up unseen.
“One value that every individual and bowler should pick up from Boom (Bumrah) is clearly his work ethic. The way he goes about it in the nets, tick marking everything that he has worked on and will be using during the game. But, in the last few years with the Indian team…he has grown into a phenomenal bowler and even more so as an individual, which has been amazing,” the MI bowling coach said.
He talks about Mumbai Indians’ bowling tactics in the opening matches. From a coaching angle, planning around shifting game moments comes next. Different situations shape how moves get made. Adjustments happen based on what unfolds. Thinking ahead plays a part when conditions shift. Each match brings its own rhythm to handle. Strategy tweaks follow where pressure builds.
Paras said, “As a bowling group…we always discuss how to get wickets in the middle, execute our plans, maintain the pressure on oppositions and how to exploit individual strengths and weaknesses.”
” Both surfaces have been different, and just to give you all an idea, when we play in Mumbai, we have red soil pitches. Red soil characteristics are different. You have bounce due to the grass on it, and shots can be played easily. Square cuts and pull shots can be played very well on those surfaces. When we go and play on black soil surfaces in Delhi, one does not get that bounce and must access different areas.”
Also speaking about the youngsters in the side like Ashwani Kumar and Mohammad Izhar… and the fresh bowling strategies that MI come up with every season, he opined, “Firstly credit should go to the scouts who go around and watch games and see these young guns’ skill sets. For me, I put myself in their shoes and ask myself what I was thinking when I was at this stage in my career. When I was new to the game, finding my foothold here…how do I handle pressure and failures during certain stages. That gives me a better perspective on what could be a conversation starter with them. Also, spending a lot of time with individuals helps understand what kind of character he is and what kind of conversations he is seeking.”
Funny question came up about whether Malinga and he had separate jobs as bowling coaches.
“There is no line of difference. Both of us know what our final objective is. It is like having two sides to a coin. We have trust, understanding and respect amongst ourselves. There is no competition; both of us are working towards the end goal for our team,” he said.
