(PTI Photo)

Jasprit Bumrah, often referred to as ‘Boom Boom’, has firmly established himself as arguably the premier bowler in current international cricket. Even the esteemed Curtly Ambrose, a legendary figure in West Indian cricket, openly acknowledges his admiration for the Indian pacer.

Bumrah’s contributions have been pivotal to India’s advancement into the second round of the T20 World Cup, highlighted by two standout Player-of-the-Match displays during the group stages.

In a memorable performance against Pakistan, Bumrah’s exceptional bowling claimed three crucial wickets, rescuing what seemed like a lost cause for India and steering them to a narrow 6-run victory.

“What I can tell you something about Jasprit Bumrah, I’m a big fan. Right from ever since I saw him the first time. He’s so unconventional but highly effective. And that’s what I like about him. When you look at traditional fast bowlers, you wouldn’t look at Bumrah, he’s so unorthodox.

“He has done a great job for India and still doing a great job in all formats. I met him a couple of years ago when India played in Antigua. He’s someone I’ve always enjoyed watching because he’s so different,” said Ambrose who is involved with promoting the ongoing T20 World Cup.

A key feature of the pacer’s skill set is his unconventional bowling action, which instills a sense of apprehension in his adversaries.

Bumrah’s distinctive, open-chested bowling style exposes him to potential physical strains, particularly on his lower body. However, Ambrose asserts that such risks are inherent for every fast bowler.

“From my little experience, there are no two bowlers who are exactly alike. Bowlers may have similarities but they are never exactly alike and we all have our different styles everyone is different.

“In terms of his longevity, in terms of injuries, (for) every fast bowler, there is always risk of being injured. But at the same time you can’t go out there thinking that way. You’ve got to go out there and do the job to the best of your ability and whatever happens, happens,” stated the West Indian legend, who has 405 scalps in Test cricket himself.

“The only way he should change is if he, may be, sustains a serious injury or has to re-model his action or something.”

Regarding his tournament performance thus far, Bumrah enters the Super Eight stage with five wickets from three matches.

Captain Rohit Sharma relies heavily on the pacer’s consistency to sustain India’s winning streak and commence the Super Eight phase positively against Afghanistan.