There is no better way for Jasprit Bumrah to ease back into rhythm than by taking wickets—and doing it with authority. The Indian pace spearhead made an instant impact during the third T20I between India and New Zealand in Guwahati, delivering a trademark unplayable ball to dismiss Tim Seifert and set the tone early.
Introduced into the attack in the final over of the powerplay, Bumrah needed just one delivery to announce his presence. The ball was full and straight, shaping in ever so slightly, but Seifert misread it completely. Expecting movement back into him, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter closed the face of his bat too early. The result was brutal: the off stump was uprooted as the ball crashed through, leaving Seifert stunned and the crowd on its feet.
WATCH – Hardik Pandya’s Stunning Catch Removes Conway As India Dominate Early in Guwahati
The dismissal carried added significance as it marked Bumrah’s return to the playing XI after being rested for the second T20I in Raipur. It was a reminder of how quickly the premier fast bowler can change the course of a match, especially in the powerplay when batters look to dominate.
Jasprit Bumrah into the attack…
..And he starts off with a beauty 🤩🎯
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Facing Bumrah early in an innings remains one of the toughest challenges in modern cricket. Seifert had previously faced the Indian quick for just around 24 deliveries, hardly enough time for a batter to decode Bumrah’s unique action and release point. That unfamiliarity often works heavily in the bowler’s favour.
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What makes Bumrah particularly lethal is his release, which is several centimetres ahead of that of a conventional fast bowler. Combined with his sharp pace and late movement, it gives batters very little margin for error. The Mumbai Indians star has long had a reputation for rushing batters and breaking partnerships at crucial moments.
In Guwahati, Bumrah didn’t just take a wicket—he delivered a statement, underlining why he remains India’s most trusted fast bowler across formats.
