The pitch at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore for the second India-Sri Lanka Test has been a bowler’s paradise with its unpredictability giving them an edge over the batsmen. Jasprit Bumrah, who has so far pocketed six wickets in the match, thinks such a track makes run-scoring more challenging-yet-satisfying for a batsman.

Speaking at a media conference after the second day’s play, Bumrah, assessing the wicket, said: “You always play in different conditions, not every wicket will be the same. If there is some help for the bowlers, it gives you (the batsman) a lot of confidence when you score runs on such a wicket.

“You will not get flat wickets everywhere you play, so whenever it’s a challenge, you are always looking forward to that challenge. Nobody is complaining about the wicket… Everybody is finding a way and looking forward to contribute because they know if they score good runs on a tough wicket, then that will give them a lot of confidence.”

Having recorded his first Test five-wicket haul at home on Saturday, Bumrah said: “It feels good… When you play all three formats, you have to look after your body and you sometimes miss out on the home Tests. This was an opportunity and to be able to contribute towards the team’s success is always a great feeling.”

Praising Pant

The speedster, who is also the vice-captain to Rohit Sharma, also had words of praise for Rishabh Pant, who smashed the fastest fifty by an Indian in Tests during the second day’s play.

“Not each and everyone (can) play in the same manner. Every individual has a different game plan, so he has backed his strengths,” Bumrah said. He, however, added that the wicketkeeper-batsman was still on a learning curve.