India’s bowling attack looks noticeably vulnerable whenever Jasprit Bumrah is not part of the XI, a reality that underlines just how vital the premier fast bowler has become to the team’s success. Despite managing his workload through injuries in recent years, Bumrah remains the heartbeat of India’s bowling unit across formats.

Ahead of the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel did not shy away from calling Bumrah the best in the world, while also highlighting the immense pressure that comes with that tag.

“Jasprit is the best bowler in the world,” Morne Morkel said, before addressing the weight of expectations that Bumrah carries every time he steps onto the field. According to Morkel, the assumption that Bumrah will always deliver a match-winning spell can be mentally draining, even for someone as calm and composed as him.

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In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, fast bowlers constantly deal with high-stress situations—be it a decisive powerplay over, a death-overs spell, or the need for an immediate breakthrough.

Bumrah has mastered the art of making these pressure moments look effortless. However, Morkel warned that over-reliance on one bowler can be risky in the long run. He stressed the importance of regular communication to ensure Bumrah remains comfortable with the team’s plans and his role within them. Using a fitting analogy, Morkel described Bumrah as a “Ferrari,” adding that when everything is in sync, he performs at an elite level.

India have experimented with multiple bowling combinations during the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, with Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and lead spinner Varun Chakravarthy all being rested at different points. Morkel clarified that this rotation is not solely about workload management. It is also a strategic move aimed at preventing opposition teams from locking in fixed plans ahead of the T20 World Cup.

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“We want flexibility,” Morne Morkel explained, noting that exposing different bowlers to various roles helps build depth and unpredictability. With the World Cup approaching, India are focused on creating a bowling unit that can adapt to any situation, ensuring that even without Bumrah, the attack remains competitive and well-balanced.