10 June,2024 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anil Kumble (Pic: File Pic)
Jasprit Bumrah takes the conditions out of the equation with his adaptability and unique skillset and the lead pacer will have to play a major role if India were to win the T20 World Cup 2024, feels the legendary Anil Kumble.
In the historic T20 World Cup 2024 match between India and Pakistan, Jasprit Bumrah claimed three wickets helping the side to crush Babar Azam and Co. by six runs.
In the run chase of 120 runs, Pakistan was folded to 113 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs in the T20 World Cup 2024 match against arch-rivals India. Along with Bumrah, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya bagged two wickets for 24 runs.
"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," Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo.
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"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 dismissed set batsman Rizwan in the 15th over before picking the wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed in the 19th over of the match.
With 18 runs needed in the final over, Arshdeep Singh defended it well and guided Team India to another famous win against the arch-rivals Pakistan.
Kumble was effusive in his praise for Bumrah, calling him the team's No 1 player in terms of selection, irrespective of formats and the nature of the surface.
"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..." Kumble said.
"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.
(With PTI Inputs)
