Star Indian batter KL Rahul has candidly revealed that facing the world-class pace of Jasprit Bumrah in the nets is an experience approached with extreme caution, admitting that he actively avoids hitting extravagant shots to prevent provoking the fiery speedster.
Rahul, speaking on the Humans of Bombay YouTube channel, confessed that he takes a careful approach in practice sessions, knowing any ‘flamboyant shots’ could invite instant and aggressive payback from Bumrah, whom many regard as the finest all-format bowler of this era.
The Fear of ‘Fiery Payback’
When the host, Jatin Sapru, jokingly brought up Rahul’s historically strong IPL numbers against Bumrah, the Indian batter quickly downplayed the achievement—partly out of humour, but also with genuine apprehension about the consequences.
“I will not agree because he’ll break my head in the next net. He’ll break my head or break my toe in the next session. So, I’m not saying anything. No comments,” Rahul stated.
He confirmed that Bumrah’s intensity is not limited to matches, and he becomes “very, very angry” if someone manages to take him on during practice. Rahul, however, was quick to add a note of difficulty: “But first of all, it’s not easy to hit him in the net; very few people can do it.”
The Hardest Bowler to Hit
Rahul elaborated on the sheer difficulty Bumrah presents, even for familiar teammates. He pointed to the star bowler’s unique action, deceptive release point, sharp movement, and relentless accuracy, all of which combine to make him a “nightmare” for opposition batters.
“He’s the hardest bowler to hit, to hit for sure,” Rahul said, explaining that while Indian players are slightly more accustomed to his style from facing him day in and day out, any opposition player from a different country faces an enormous challenge. “It’s just very difficult to pick him firstly – defend against him, then to even think of scoring against him becomes that much more harder.”
Diffusing Tension in the Nets
The Indian opener also shared the unique method he employs to lighten the mood when he does manage to play a good shot, which immediately elevates Bumrah’s intensity level.
Rahul mentioned that the pacer “keeps grinding their teeth all the time,” and whenever he feels threatened, “you can see his face and his nerves and everything, just like, you know, he’s ready for a fight…”
To defuse the escalating tension, Rahul often resorts to compliments and humor:
“Sometimes you have to tell him, Bumrah, same team bro, it’s okay. Wickets from nets won’t get counted, so then he laughs. I play that card with him saying, ‘Boss, you’re unplayable, you’re just too good, don’t worry, bowl slowly,'” Rahul concluded.
Bumrah recently showcased his lethal form by taking a five-wicket haul in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, though India ultimately lost the match after their batters struggled against the visitors’ spinners.