Jasprit Bumrah: Bowling Phenomenon in World Cup Spotlight
In the exhilarating realm of cricket, certain players stand out, weaving magic with their skills, leaving audiences and experts alike spellbound. Among such cricketing maestros, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has garnered exceptional acclaim, especially for his recent exploits at the ODI World Cup in India.
Bumrah’s Impressive Return and Dominance
Captaining India against Ireland and then leading the pace attack at the Asia Cup, Bumrah has been nothing short of sensational. It was his remarkable return to form that set the stage for a stellar performance at the ICC World Cup. Against England, a low-scoring affair turned into a spectacle, thanks in part to Bumrah’s prowess. Partnering with the seasoned Mohammed Shami, the duo orchestrated a batting collapse of the defending champions, showcasing why Bumrah is a force to reckon with.
Why Pakistan bowlers can not bowl like #JaspritBumrah? @wasimakramlive answers a "difficult" question in #AskThePavilion.#ASportsHD #ARYZAP #CWC23 #ThePavilion #ShoaibMalik #MisbahUlHaq #FakhreAlam #MoinKhan #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/243VnxsiCV
— ASports (@asportstvpk) October 29, 2023
Wasim Akram’s Praise for Bumrah
It’s not every day that a legend of the game tips their hat to a contemporary player. However, in Bumrah’s case, Wasim Akram, the iconic Pakistani pacer, had high praise. Speaking to A Sports, Akram highlighted why Bumrah stands out among his peers. “He is the best in the world right now. Top of the ladder! The control, the pace, the variations, just a complete bowler. A treat to watch. With the new ball, to get this kind of movement on this kind of pitch … pace, carry, follow-through… you name it he’s a complete bowler,” Wasim said.
Mastery of Bumrah’s Bowling
Akram, known for his own prowess with the ball, delved deeper into Bumrah’s technique. “When Bumrah is bowling to a left-hander from around the wicket and hits the ball on the seam… And when he’s bowling from wide of the crease, the batter will think the ball is coming inside. He will play for that angle, but the ball hits the pitch and moves away rather than coming in. Most of the time, you are going to be beaten. When I used to bowl outswingers like that to right-handed batters with the new ball, sometimes I couldn’t control the ball also. But Bumrah definitely has better control with the new ball than myself,” Wasim further explained.
Dash of Humour from Akram
With a chuckle, Akram suggested a humorous way to counter Bumrah’s dominance. “The length where he bowls with the new ball is what creates uncertainty for the batters. Bumrah ka ek hi ilaaj hai uspe pressure daalne: uske spikes chori karlo. Aur koi hal nahi hai (There’s only one way to put pressure on Bumrah. Steal his bowling spikes. There’s no other cure),” Wasim joked.
Bumrah vs Pakistan Bowlers: A Comparative Insight
Bumrah’s recent performance against England, where he claimed crucial wickets while conceding minimal runs, was a masterclass. His average of 15.07 and being the second-highest wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup speaks volumes. Akram provided insight into why Bumrah might be more lethal than Pakistan bowlers.
“Why Bumrah is more lethal than Pakistan bowlers, because he plays more Test cricket, while our bowlers they don’t play in the longer format enough,” Akram added.
Conclusion
In the grand tapestry of cricket, Jasprit Bumrah’s artistry stands out, especially in the high-pressure cooker of the World Cup. His mastery over pace, swing, and seam, combined with strategic acumen, places him in a league of his own. When legends like Wasim Akram sing praises of a contemporary player, it’s a testament to the exceptional talent and influence they wield on the game. Bumrah, undoubtedly, is a name that will continue to resonate in cricketing circles for years to come.
