IPL 2022: I try to keep things simple and execute my plans – Jasprit Bumrah

Mumbai Indians gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was at his lethal best against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday.

Bumrah returned with impressive figures of 3-25 in his quota of four overs and thus played a key role in restricting the opposition to a slightly below-par score of 159 runs.

Bumrah took two wickets in the PowerPlay overs as he produced Mitchell Marsh’s outside edge and Rohit Sharma took a good catch at slip. Subsequently, he dismissed Prithvi Shaw with an accurate bumper.

In the death overs, Bumrah accounted for dangerous Rovman Powell, who was threatening to score quick runs. Bumrah was awarded the Player of the Match and he said he wanted to keep things simple and execute his plans.

Furthermore, Bumrah was able to bag two records as he overtook Harbhajan Singh’s tally of 147 wickets and became MI’s second highest-wicket taker behind Lasith Malinga, who took a total of 195 wickets (Records include both IPL and T20 Champions League).

Moreover, Bumrah became the first bowler to take at least 15 wickets in seven consecutive seasons of the IPL. Bumrah, who wasn’t at his best in the earlier stages of the tournament, finished with 15 scalps in 14 matches in IPL 2022. In fact, Bumrah had taken only five wickets in the first 10 matches however he took 10 wickets in the last four games of the league stage.

Bumrah said in the post-match presentation, “Nothing special, just tried to have fun, and enjoyed my game. Very happy with how the last game went. The wicket is quite fast here, there’s pace and bounce. But this (today’s pitch) was slow, and the bounce was low. There wasn’t much swing, so we assessed the conditions and tried to execute our plans. Whenever you are new to the game, so you need to learn a lot. I try to help the youngsters as much as I can. We tried to help them as much as we can, so that it’s a good atmosphere (in the dressing room). Improving your game is a yearly process, it doesn’t stop. We need to analyse next year and come back strong. I was very happy with my rhythm after coming back from Sri Lanka, was happy with the execution. After the ball is released from my hand, I can’t do much. I just try to keep things simple, and execute as much as I can.”

On the other hand, Tim David played an important knock in the run-chase as he smashed 34 runs off just 11 balls. David was able to hit the ground running and made great use of the long handle to score two fours and four sixes.

David said after the game, “Nice to finish with a win, we got close the other night, good to finish this off. Ishan (Kishan) told me the wicket was getting flatter, it was holding a bit with the slower balls, but I just had to hold my shape and back my game, keep it simple. I got lucky with a couple of baby sixes, it is all about repetition and holding your shape. Early in the season, I was leaning back on the ball a bit, so I’ve worked really hard on my shape, happy with the result. It’s been a tough season but our last six games we’ve played some good cricket. We’ve won four games out of six which is really promising for our group. I got a message from Faf this morning – it was a picture of him, Maxi, and Virat all in an MI kit, maybe I’ll get to post that on Instagram later. (On review not taken) I heard a noise but I wasn’t sure, but when they didn’t review, I thought let’s crack on, that’s how the game is.”

MI finished the season as wooden spooners with eight points after four wins in 14 matches.