Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey showered praise on fast-bowling pair Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, likening them to a “Laurel and Hardy” combination ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Describing both pacers as world-class, Mhambrey said their skills blend seamlessly, allowing them to thrive in all match situations.
Arshdeep currently tops India’s T20I wicket charts with 118 scalps, while Bumrah follows closely with 107. Arshdeep also finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in India’s title-winning 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, claiming 17 wickets. Bumrah was Player of the Tournament, taking 15 wickets at an economy of under 4.20.
Speaking to IANS about the Bumrah–Arshdeep partnership, Mhambrey said:
“I feel they are the Laurel and Hardy combination right now. It’s just the fact that they are so famous. They are the combination in terms of complementing each other so well. One is a right-hander, and one is a left-armer. Both bowls are in different phases and are equally adapted to bowls in different phases.”
He further continued:
“You don’t have to bank on only looking at Bumrah to bowl in the powerplay, as you can then mix it up. The way Arshdeep goes, he is going to give you a couple of overs in the powerplay, if not more. So you can then play around with Bumrah’s overs in between.”
“He Had Time On His Side” – Paras Mhambrey Praises Abhishek Sharma
Paras Mhambrey feels Abhishek Sharma’s standout displays for India come as no shock to anyone who has followed his journey since his early days. The left-hander has taken the T20I circuit by storm since making his India debut midway through 2024.
Abhishek currently sits at the top of the ICC T20I batting rankings and is also the second-fastest Indian to score a T20I century, reaching the milestone in just 37 balls.
“I just look back and think about Abhishek during the under-19 days. You always felt that he had time. He had time and he was still a young kid. I thought he was still the youngest of the lot. He was 17 or so, maybe. I am sure no one is surprised from the lot that has been with him, including Rahul (Dravid),” said Mhambrey on IANS.
He further added:
“I am sure if you have a chat with Rahul, he would say the same thing — that we are not surprised that he is delivering at this stage. What stands out for me is the free flow of his bat and the timing. You knew that within the next 3–4 years, he would develop as a player, physically as well, because the technique was there.”
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