(ICC Photo)
India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, once again displayed his exceptional skill with the ball, setting himself apart from the competition. His stellar performance played a pivotal role in India’s remarkable comeback victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 encounter held in New York on Sunday.
Praising Bumrah’s outstanding performance against their rivals was none other than the legendary Indian leg-spinner, Anil Kumble, who emphasized the crucial role played by Bumrah in securing the win for the Indian team.
“We saw that with that 15th over where he got that wicket (of Mohammad Rizwan), and then the 19th over when you knew that in that over if he had given a couple of boundaries, then last over 10 runs, 12 runs, possible,” Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo.
Kumble went on to make a daring forecast, suggesting that if Rohit Sharma’s Indian team were to clinch the T20 World Cup title, it would heavily rely on Bumrah playing a significant role in ending their prolonged wait for championship glory.
“But once it gets to that 18 runs, 19 runs, on a surface like this, (it’s) impossible for the tail-enders to come and get those runs. So Jasprit Bumrah, if India go on to win this tournament, he would have to play a major role,” Kumble said.
Kumble believes that the Indian fast bowler deserves to be the top pick for any team lineup due to his consistent ability to apply pressure on opposing batters and deliver exceptional performances on a regular basis.
“Jasprit Bumrah should be your number one in your team list. Forget about the format, Jasprit Bumrah is your number one. Yes, this is a pitch where it was not easy for the bowlers but the variations and also the kind of pressure he puts on the batters…” Kumble said.
Bumrah’s versatility shines through as he consistently delivers standout performances even on flat pitches, proving that challenging conditions pose no hindrance to his effectiveness. This adaptability makes him an invaluable asset for the Indian team, and they will rely on him to continue delivering crucial performances in key moments throughout the remainder of the tournament.
“Knowing that it’s not going to be easy, forget the surface, any surface, we have seen that right throughout his career, it’s not easy. Any batter coming in front of Bumrah knows that it’s going to be tough, and on a surface like this, he just builds the pressure,” he concluded.
