There's a Big Margin Between Other International Bowlers and Bumrah, Team India Fortunate to Have Him: Sanjay Manjrekar

Add as a preferred source on Google

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah once again proved his mettle in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match against Afghanistan at Bridgetown on Thursday (June 20), which the Men in Blue won convincingly.

Bumrah was once again at his frugal best against the Afghans as he returned with impressive figures of 3/7 from his quota of 4 overs. Former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Anil Kumble lauded the right-arm quick for his contribution to Indian cricket.

Manjrekar lauds world-class bowler Bumrah

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo TIMEOUT show, Manjrekar lavished praise on Bumrah's outstanding bowling performance in the ongoing quadrennial event. Manjrekar drew a comparison between Bumrah's current form and Sunil Narine's dominant displays at Eden Gardens during the IPL.

"Jasprit Bumrah is performing in the USA and West Indies just like Sunil Narine at Eden Gardens during the IPL. There were many matches when we had not conceded a boundary, and look at the difference between him and the other seamers. They were also of international standard, but quite rightly, I mean, he's looking even better. When you look at all the top-class bowlers around the world, there's a big margin between them and Bumrah, and India is so fortunate to have him in their playing XI," Manjrekar said.

Anil Kumble on Bumrah's Mastery

Anil Kumble, speaking on the same show, highlighted Bumrah's exceptional understanding of his own bowling, especially in the game against Afghanistan.

"The kind of understanding of his own bowling you can make out. Even when he got Rahmanullah Gurbaz out with a slower ball and wide line, he gets the execution perfect. That's what it is-it's about executing all those variations under pressure, getting the line right, getting the length right. For each batsman, he would have figured that out and then done it right in a big game. This doesn't come easy, and I think he has given limited boundaries in the entire tournament," Kumble remarked.

Manjrekar on Suryakumar Yadav's Performance

Manjrekar also shared his thoughts on Suryakumar Yadav's performance against Afghanistan in the Super 8 stage of the World Cup, emphasising the value Yadav brings to the Indian team.

"This is the advantage India has by having one of the best T20 batters in the world. Tricky pitch, Rashid Khan on song, and again you saw the value that Suryakumar Yadav brings to any team. The thing to like about him, which is not really highlighted much, is the number of ground shots he plays. He chips the balls over the infield into the gaps, so he's not always looking for sixes, which means there can sometimes be mis-execution trying to extract power," Manjrekar said.

Anil Kumble on Suryakumar Yadav's Versatility

Kumble agreed with Manjrekar on Yadav's versatility and the pressure he puts on opposition bowlers.

"It gives India the kind of power and stroke play that you need from someone batting at number four. It certainly puts pressure on the opposition bowlers because it's not easy to control a Surya in this kind of form. You don't know where to bowl; wherever you bowl, the fielders find it hard to stop him from scoring boundaries. So, yes, it certainly augurs well. First game of the Super 8s, and you have Surya coming back into this kind of form," Kumble added.

Both Sanjay Manjrekar and Anil Kumble highlighted the critical roles Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav play in the Indian cricket team. Bumrah's exceptional bowling and Yadav's versatile batting not only showcase their individual talents but also underscore India's strategic advantage in the World Cup. As the tournament progresses, their performances will undoubtedly be pivotal to India's success.