'He used to love burgers, pizzas, milkshakes' - Former bowling coach reveals Jasprit Bumrah's diet transformation

Published - 23 Aug 2025, 16:39 IST | Updated - 23 Aug 2025, 16:46 IST

Star bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been a workhorse for the Indian team's pace-bowling department over the years. The current No. 1-ranked Test bowler, however, had to go through a lot of dedication, hard work, and sacrifices to become what he finally has today. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun recently revealed how Bumrah, a foodie at heart, underwent an insane transformation, becoming one of the best bowlers of the current generation.

During his Under-19 days, Bumrah had come to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where Arun and his support staff groomed the pacer. The Ahmedabad-born had a unique action, which the coaches tried to remodel, however, it resulted in lack of pace. As a result, they had to bring about a transformation in his body through strict diet and proper exercise.

“He [Bumrah] could bowl quick, and so we discussed with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn't want to touch his action because it's very unique and generates a lot of pace. But it also puts him under stress,” Arun told TOI in an interview.

“We called him and told him: to take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices. In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, he was working in the gym. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated. He loved burgers, pizzas, milkshakes. He gave up everything overnight. A Punjabi boy living in Gujarat-but his love for bowling was greater than any food craving,” Arun revealed further.

Despite multiple talks concerning his workload management, Bumrah is fit and available for India's campaign at the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Included in the 15-member squad by the national selectors, he will be the leader of the Men in Blue's pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh. Bumrah and India are set to begin their campaign in the multinational tournament on September 10 against the UAE.