Rahul reveals what makes Bumrah so tough to play

New Delhi: KL Rahul offered insights about facing Jasprit Bumrah in a practice session and how he still has a successful IPL record against the pacer.

He revealed the intensity of the pacer and the challenge even seasoned players face. Speaking on the Humans of Bombay YouTube channel, Rahul reflected on his impressive IPL record against Bumrah while also highlighting the risks of net sessions with the fast bowler.

“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 said, showing his mix of respect and amusement toward Bumrah’s fiery approach.

The Indian batter Rahul has, though, enjoyed relative success in the IPL against the pacer. In 14 innings, he has scored 146 runs from 118 deliveries, hitting four sixes and 13 fours, with a strike rate of 123.7 and has only been dismissed twice.

Challenge of facing Bumrah

Rahul explained that facing Bumrah in the nets is far from easy, noting that very few batters can consistently score against him in practice. “He’s the hardest bowler to hit, to hit for sure. Now I think at least we play him day in and day out, so you’re used to his action and release point a little bit but if you are just facing him as an opposition from a different country 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,” Rahul said.

he also shared how he manages the pacer’s competitive edge during practice. “Vo toh daant peseta hi rehta hai He keeps grinding his teeth all the time), every time you can see his face and his nerves… 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 explained.

Rahul, Bumrah form ahead of upcoming Guwahati Test

Both Rahul and Bumrah have been active in India’s recent Test series against South Africa. Bumrah took a five-wicket haul in the first innings at Eden Gardens while Rahul contributed 39 runs in India’s first innings. However, India fell short of chasing 124 on a tricky pitch, losing by 30 runs. The duo will take the field again in the second Test starting November 22 in Guwahati with Men in Blue aiming to level the series.