A tense victory for India against arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup has sparked discussions about bowling strategy. While India emerged victorious, questions linger around the deployment of their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. Despite India’s modest total of 119 runs, their bowling attack, led by a dominant Bumrah, restricted Pakistan to a mere 113 for 7 wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance was undeniable, claiming the crucial wickets of Pakistan’s top batsmen Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed. However, the timing of his introduction into the attack became a point of contention. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed his belief that Bumrah should have been utilized from the very first over.
“Our batters just went for the big shots and got out,” Sunil Gavaskar critiqued on Star Sports. “The bowlers were the ones who saved the day. But they seldom get credit in Indian cricket. Good to see them perform. However, Jasprit Bumrah, I thought he should have bowled the first over, not the third. Why waste 12 deliveries? Give it to your best bowler.”
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Sunil Gavaskar drew an analogy to batting, emphasizing the importance of deploying key players at crucial moments.
“Do you ask Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli to bat at No. 5 or 6? They are your best batters, so they bat at 1 and 2. The same logic applies to bowling. The best bowler gets the first over. He should have bowled the first over. Whatever it is, India kept their nerves and won the game. I think Pakistan lost theirs,” he added.
Legendary spinner Anil Kumble echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Bumrah’s adaptability and unique skillset. “We saw that with that 15th over where he got the 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 explained 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,” Anil Kumble concluded.
With India’s T20 World Cup aspirations hinging on their bowling attack, Bumrah’s performance takes on even greater significance. The debate about his utilization in the Pakistan match highlights the crucial role he plays in India’s quest for glory.
