Anil Kumble believes Jasprit Bumrah is crucial for India’s T20 World Cup success due to his unique skills and adaptability. Bumrah’s standout performance, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs, was key in India’s narrow six-run victory over Pakistan in a highly anticipated match in New York.
India scored 119 all-out on a challenging pitch at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. In reply, Pakistan managed 113 for seven in 20 overs. Bumrah’s incisive bowling, combined with Hardik Pandya‘s effective spell of 2 wickets for 24 runs, helped turn the game in India’s favor.
Kumble emphasized that Bumrah’s ability to adapt to different conditions makes him a game-changer. His performance against Pakistan highlighted his importance, demonstrating how his contributions can lead India to victory in high-pressure situations. Kumble’s confidence in Bumrah underscores the bowler’s pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign.
“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, 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.
Bumrah’s Dominance and Kumble’s Acclaim: Key Factors in India’s Victory
Hardik Pandya effectively used the short ball, while Jasprit Bumrah dismissed a well-set Rizwan in the 15th over and removed Iftikhar Ahmed in the 19th over, which only conceded three runs. With Pakistan needing 18 runs from the last six balls, Arshdeep Singh kept his composure to secure another notable victory for India over Pakistan on the global stage. Anil Kumble highly praised Bumrah, describing him as the team’s top player for selection, regardless of the format or pitch conditions.
“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… 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 added.
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