Think of a potential player who can replace the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, or even Suryakumar Yadav in the Indian T20I team. You may answer some of the young batters, brimming with fearless talent. Now think about a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah! Did any names pop up? No, right! Well, that’s why the undisputed king of Indian bowling is miles apart from any other individual.
Bumrah just keeps getting better, proving himself as one of the, if not the best, bowler around to ever play white-ball cricket for India. Just look at his spell against Afghanistan – 3 wickets in just 7 balls! Talk about unplayable! Defending a total of 182, Bumrah shut the door on the Afghan batsmen, almost like he could predict their every move.
Bumrah & his ridiculous returns
Bumrah’s presence in the Indian team is a true blessing. His stats in this T20 World Cup are just ridiculous! He’s only giving away an average of 3.47 runs per over, and that’s with only 4 boundaries bowled in 90 balls! That’s incredible considering he bowls during the most crucial parts of the game, the powerplay and the death overs, when batsmen are typically going all out for runs.
The Indian bowling attack has always lacked impetus and spark whenever Bumrah has been forced to sit due to injuries. Similar was the case during 2022 World Cup in Australia, where England gave a 10-wicket dubbing in the semi final. Bumrah’s absence was a stark reminder of just how important he is to the team’s success. His absence left a gaping hole in the bowling attack, highlighting there’s no one that can ideally replace the great man.
More on Bumrah
Rohit Sharma’s trump card: Bumrah!
Bumrah has never been someone who rattles with raw pace. It is his masterclass in tactical bowling that sets him apart. This ability to read the batsman’s mind and react accordingly is what separates Bumrah from the rest.
Whenever India find themselves in a spot of bother, Jasprit Bumrah is the answer. This we saw against Pakistan as well when the star pacer was brought in during the middle overs and his scalp of Mohammad Rizwan turned the tide completely.
Even after the clash against Afghanistan, when Harsha Bhogle asked Rohit Sharma about his trump card, the Indian captain couldn’t stop himself from crediting him. Rohit said, “We know what Bumrah can do for us. It’s important for us to use him smartly. He is the one who is ready to take the responsibilities as it is not easy for a strike bowler to hold him back. He is happy to bowl at any stage.“
What is the genius behind Bumrah?
Bumrah’s genius lies in his unparalleled adaptability. Imagine this: you send him to England tomorrow and hand him a swinging ball, he’ll crank it up and get it to move like a snake. Then, fly him to Australia a couple of days later, and he’ll be firing back of a length all day, using the bouncy pitch to his advantage.
On a two-paced track in Barbados, it was his variations that undid the Afghani batters. There’s no bowler out there who can adjust their game quite like Bumrah. He can change his pace, length, and tricks on the fly, making him a nightmare for any batters, no matter their style or the conditions.
Bumrah is more than just a fast bowler; he’s a cricketing magician who weaves spells of deception and control. Talk about a lucky charm for Indian cricket!
