IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah’s Stellar Fifer Celebrated with Heartwarming Family Moment at Headingley
In a moment that captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, delivered a match-defining performance on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley. His sensational bowling figures of 5/83 dismantled England’s batting lineup, but it was a personal touch off the field that added an extra layer of warmth to the day. Bumrah’s wife, Sanjana Ganesan, shared an adorable Instagram Story featuring what appears to be their young son, Angad, holding a red cricket ball inscribed with Bumrah’s name, ‘England,’ and his remarkable bowling stats.
Bumrah’s fiery spell at Leeds was nothing short of spectacular. The 29-year-old pacer ripped through England’s top order, dismissing key batsmen like Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and the ever-dangerous Joe Root. He also accounted for lower-order wickets of Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue, ensuring India maintained a stranglehold on the game. Supported by Mohammed Siraj (2/122) and debutant Prasidh Krishna (3/128), Bumrah’s efforts restricted England to 465, just six runs short of India’s first innings total of 471.
Reflecting on the pitch conditions, Bumrah noted, ‘At this moment, it’s a pretty good wicket to bat on. It’s a bit two-paced, with no big demons in the surface. Due to the weather, the new ball swings a lot, which is expected in Test cricket. Our aim is to post a big total and build a cushion.’ His analysis highlights the challenges of English conditions, where swing and seam movement often test a bowler’s skill and patience—qualities Bumrah possesses in abundance.
However, the day wasn’t without its frustrations for the Indian camp. Bumrah could have added more scalps to his tally had it not been for some uncharacteristic lapses in the field. India dropped as many as six catches during England’s innings, and Bumrah himself overstepped on a few occasions, costing potential wickets. Yet, true to his composed demeanor, the pacer refused to dwell on the negatives. ‘You can’t sit and cry about it. You have to move forward. I don’t let it get to my head and try to forget quickly. Dropping catches isn’t intentional—everyone is trying hard, and sometimes the ball is tough to sight,’ he said with empathy for his teammates.
Bumrah’s leadership shone through as he emphasized a no-blame culture within the team. ‘I don’t want to create a scene or add pressure on the fielder by showing anger. It’s part and parcel of the game. If those catches had been taken, it would’ve been great, but I believe the team will learn from this experience,’ he added. His maturity, both on and off the field, has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling unit in recent years, making him a fan favorite and a role model for young cricketers.
As the Test match hangs in a delicate balance, with India aiming to build a substantial lead in their second innings, Bumrah’s contributions have already set the tone. Off the field, Sanjana Ganesan’s touching post serves as a reminder of the personal milestones that often accompany professional triumphs. The image of young Angad clutching the cricket ball symbolizes not just a father’s success but also the next generation’s connection to the sport. For now, Indian fans will hope that Bumrah’s magic continues to weave spells at Headingley, while cherishing the heartwarming family moment shared amidst the intensity of Test cricket.