Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded Jasprit Bumrah, declaring him the best white-ball bowler in Indian cricket history. Pathan’s high praise came after Bumrah’s stellar performance in India’s narrow six-run victory over Pakistan in a Group A clash at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York on Sunday, June 9.
India, after being asked to bat first, set a modest target of 120 runs. The game was poised delicately when Bumrah stepped up, delivering a match-winning spell of 3/14 in his four overs. His performance, including 15 dot balls, was instrumental in restricting Pakistan and securing the win for India.
Reviewing the game on Star Sports, Pathan placed Bumrah on a high pedestal. “In the commentary box, before Jasprit Bumrah was about to bowl his last two overs, I said he is Indian bank. He is so safe. He is such a great bowler that you know anytime he will come to bowl, he will bowl those lines and lengths which will keep the Indian team in the game,” Pathan said.
Pathan’s admiration for Bumrah goes beyond his skill set. “That’s a special ability. He is the best white-ball bowler in the history of Indian cricket and that’s period. No one comes close to him,” Pathan asserted, emphasizing Bumrah’s unique mindset as a key factor in his success.
Bumrah’s first crucial breakthrough came when he had Babar Azam caught by Suryakumar Yadav at slip. He then bowled Mohammad Rizwan and had Iftikhar Ahmed caught in the deep by Arshdeep Singh, pivotal wickets that shifted the game in India’s favour.
Pathan highlighted Bumrah’s ability to adapt and execute precise bowling strategies. “You know why he is so good. A lot of people talk about his skill and action, the unorthodox action that he brings into the game, but they don’t talk about his mindset. His mindset is outstanding. If you want to bowl a particular length on a particular pitch, just follow Jasprit Bumrah,” Pathan elaborated.
Recalling Bumrah’s strategic brilliance in last year’s ODI World Cup clash against Pakistan, Pathan noted, “In an ODI game in Ahmedabad in the 50-over World Cup, I remember that Abdullah Shafique hit a four in the first over off a full delivery. After that, he didn’t bowl a single full-length delivery in his next nine overs. He kept bowling back of a length.”
Pathan observed a similar tactical approach in Sunday’s game, where Bumrah predominantly bowled back of a length deliveries, leveraging the pitch and large side boundaries to his advantage.
“Even today as well, Jasprit Bumrah hardly bowled those yorkers. He used the pitch really well because he knows the side boundaries are huge, and at the same time the pitch had something to offer. So he kept bowling back of a length. So his brain is his strength and that’s why he is so special,” Pathan noted.
Moreover, Pathan pointed out Bumrah’s ability to confound batsmen with his unconventional action, even when delivering full tosses. He highlighted how an established hitter like Iftikhar Ahmed struggled against Bumrah’s full tosses, ultimately succumbing to one.
Bumrah’s exceptional performance and Pathan’s glowing endorsement reinforce the bowler’s reputation as a linchpin in India’s white-ball cricket setup. As India progresses in the T20 World Cup, Bumrah’s role will undoubtedly be crucial in their quest for glory.
