(Credit IPL)
Ricky Ponting believes that India’s frontline fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is poised to claim the title of the top wicket-taker in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Bumrah’s recent stellar performance in the Indian Premier League 2024 adds weight to Ponting’s prediction. Despite Mumbai Indians not progressing to the latter stages of the tournament, Bumrah emerged as a standout performer. He led the wicket-taking charts during the league phase, engaging in a close battle with Harshal Patel of Punjab Kings for the coveted Purple Cap.
Although Bumrah narrowly missed out on clinching the Purple Cap this season, his achievements were noteworthy. He matched his second-highest wicket-taking tally from 2017, finishing the season with 20 wickets. Notably, he maintained a superior economy rate of 6.48 and an impressive average of 16.80, boasting a best performance of 5/21.
Ricky Ponting elaborates on his conviction that Jasprit Bumrah will emerge as the leading wicket-taker in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
During an exclusive conversation with the ICC, Ricky Ponting showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah and shared his insights on why he believes the Indian pacer will lead the wicket-taking charts. Ponting began by commending Bumrah as a remarkable performer whose consistent contributions have been instrumental in the national team’s success over the past few years.
Highlighting Bumrah’s standout performance in the IPL 2024 season, Ponting emphasized the bowler’s exceptional skill and efficiency, particularly with the new ball. The three-time World Cup-winning captain underscored Bumrah’s prowess in the death overs, noting that maintaining an economy rate of under 7 runs in the final stages of the innings is a testament to his exceptional ability.
“My leading wicket-taker for the tournament will be Jasprit Bumrah. I just think an outstanding performer, contributor for a number of years now. He’s just come off an outstanding IPL. What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up. But at the end, his economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over.” – Ppnting told ICC.
Ponting says Bumrah likes to bowl the hard overs
Ricky Ponting highlighted Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional attribute of willingly taking on challenging overs as one of his most commendable qualities. Ponting emphasized that Bumrah’s courage to bowl during the crucial stages of the innings is the primary reason behind his endorsement as the top wicket-taker.
Explaining further, Ponting elaborated that when a bowler embraces the responsibility of bowling in the tough phases of T20 cricket, it opens up ample opportunities to claim wickets. Consequently, Ponting favored Bumrah over other talented bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Gerald Coetzee, Shamar Joseph, Shaheen Afridi, and Rashid Khan, recognizing Bumrah’s readiness to excel in demanding situations as a key factor in his prediction.
“He takes wickets. He does bowl a lot of the hardovers too. When you bowl the hard overs in T20 cricket, it gives you a chance to pick up a lot of wickets along the way. So, I’m going with him.” – Ricky Ponting concluded.
