Jasprit Bumrah often serves as Mumbai Indians’ trump card in the latter stages of bowling innings, where T20 matches are frequently decided. His exceptional skills under pressure make him a valuable asset during crucial moments. However, Bumrah expresses a desire to have more opportunities to challenge opponents earlier in the game. This inclination suggests his confidence in making an impact throughout various stages of the match, not just during the closing overs. By utilizing Bumrah’s talents strategically, Mumbai Indians can potentially optimize their bowling attack and enhance their overall performance in T20 cricket.
“Of course, you want to make an impact early on when the ball does something,” Bumrah stated after he came in to bowl the second over against Punjab Kings and picked up two wickets straightaway – and one later – to help prevent Punjab Kings from chasing down 193.
“Because in this format, probably the ball does swing for the first two overs. And when I want to bowl more, I do play Test cricket. That is where all my desires for bowling more gets over. In this format, when the ball swings for the first two overs, you do want to make an impact and when the opportunity comes, I’m happy to contribute.”
In the current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where scoring rates and totals are reaching unprecedented levels, Jasprit Bumrah stands out with his exceptional performance. Despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament, Bumrah has maintained his trademark miserly bowling, boasting an astonishingly low economy rate of 5.96. This remarkable feat showcases his ability to contain even the most aggressive batsmen and exert pressure on the opposition. Additionally, Bumrah has been highly effective in picking up wickets, leading the charts with 13 wickets in just seven matches. His consistent ability to contribute to his team’s success makes him a vital asset for Mumbai Indians and solidifies his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers in T20 cricket.
“Obviously this format is a little difficult for the bowlers because the batsmanship is going up,” he said. “With the time restrictions [over-rate penalties] as well and the Impact Player rule, that does not help the bowler too much because the batting line-up becomes deeper and deeper and the bowler becomes half the bowler when you get an extra option.”
“But I feel like all of those things are not in your control. What you can do is try to prepare to the best of your ability and back yourself in any situation because all of that will then put you in a good space of mind and you can go out there and execute with a smile on your face.”
Do his team-mates look to him to provide guidance when they are at the top of their mark?
“Whenever there’s an opportunity. I do relay a message from wherever I am. But sometimes in the heat of the moment, it’s difficult to pass on a lot of message,” Bumrah stated. “But yes, I am always there if anybody needs help because you don’t want to give too many messages as well because the bowler is already under pressure and when too many messages come, you don’t land here or there, you land in the middle.”
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