Today, Jasprit Bumrah is a household name in India and the cricketing circles across the world. But, the 32-year-old fast bowler had very humble beginnings, growing up in a single-parent home in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.He does not steam in. Just a couple of long strides, and what comes the way of the batter is the most lethal cannonball that one can face. And mostly the celebration is, well, non-existent. That is Jasprit Jasbirsingh Bumrah, arguably the best fast bowler India has ever produced.
Today, Bumrah is a household name in India and the cricketing circles across the world. But, the 32-year-old fast bowler had very humble beginnings, growing up in a single-parent home in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The Indian pacer etched his name into history during the 2023 Cricket World Cup match against Sri Lanka, becoming the first Indian bowler in 48 years to take a wicket with the first ball of an innings in that game.
His journey with the Mumbai Indians, a franchise team of the Indian Premier League, began in 2013 as a 19-year-old talent and has evolved into five title wins, making him the franchise’s all-time leading wicket-taker and a global T20 superstar.
Yet years later, Bumrah–who is on ETEntrepreneur’s cover for January 2026–speaks less about speed than about balance, patience, and durability.
It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that his relationship with Uppercase, once an endorsement, has catalysed into a decision to invest, to build, and to take a long view beyond the game. Edited excerpts from an interview:
Your journey of early resilience given your humble background is an inspiration for millions today. How did that shape you as a person and now, as an early entrepreneur?
I think it just made me value hard work and patience. You learn early that things take time. That mindset has stayed with me. I prefer to focus on doing things properly and not rushing into decisions.
Given your sustained rise as a cricketer over the years and constantly looking to get better, is that something you intend to do as an entrepreneur as well?
Yes, definitely. I’ve always believed in learning and growing with time, and entrepreneurship is no different. I like being involved with ideas and people I truly believe in, and taking a long-term view rather than chasing quick wins. For me, it’s about understanding the journey, contributing where I can, and growing along with it.
You’ve been associated with Uppercase for three years before deciding to invest. Was there a specific moment or a conversation that made you feel this should go beyond an endorsement?
Honestly, it wasn’t one single moment, it was really the journey over the last three years working with the Uppercase team that made it clear I wanted to go beyond an endorsement. I genuinely respect how they’ve built something meaningful, focusing on sustainable materials, smart design, and products that actually work for people who travel often. That alignment with the brand’s values, and the chance to contribute more to the product and vision, made me want to take that next step and invest.
Uppercase is building a premium range across luggage, backpacks, and gym bags. As someone who is constantly on the move for work and training, what inputs from your own lifestyle are shaping this co-created line?
I’ve been really focused on practical things that matter when you’re often travelling: like how a bag sits on your back, and the durability. I’ve seen first-hand what works and what doesn’t, and I wanted the designs to be clean, functional, and genuinely useful, especially for people who move around a lot for work, training or life in general. That’s been a big part of the conversation with the team while building this range.
Sustainability is something that you deeply relate to. How consciously do you look for that alignment in the brands you associate with, especially at a stage where your choices carry influence?
I’m careful with the brands I work with, especially now, and I look for genuine alignment in values. Sustainability matters to me, and I prefer being associated with brands where it’s part of how they think and operate, not just something they talk about. If my choices can help push more responsible thinking, that’s important to me.
Athletes are often seen as symbols of performance and endurance. How important was it for you that Uppercase’s products reflect those same ideas, in terms of durability, apart from the aesthetics?
That was very important to me. A product can look good, but if it doesn’t last or perform well, it doesn’t really work in the long run. With Uppercase, the focus was always on making products that are durable, reliable, and can handle regular use, while still keeping the design clean. That balance between performance and aesthetics mattered to me.
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