Bumrah's World-Class Bowling Earns High Praise From Sanjay Manjrekar

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah demonstrated his skill in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match against Afghanistan at Bridgetown on Thursday, June 20. The Men in Blue secured a convincing victory, with Bumrah delivering an impressive performance.

Bumrah's figures of 3/7 from his four overs were instrumental in restricting Afghanistan. Former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Anil Kumble praised the right-arm bowler for his significant contributions to Indian cricket.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo TIMEOUT show, Manjrekar commended Bumrah's outstanding bowling in the ongoing tournament. He compared Bumrah's current form to Sunil Narine's dominant displays at Eden Gardens during the IPL.

"Jasprit Bumrah is performing in the USA and West Indies just like Sunil Narine at Eden Gardens during the IPL. There were many matches when we had not conceded a boundary, and look at the difference between him and the other seamers. They were also of international standard, but quite rightly, I mean, he's looking even better," Manjrekar said.

Manjrekar added, "When you look at all the top-class bowlers around the world, there's a big margin between them and Bumrah, and India is so fortunate to have him in their playing XI."

Anil Kumble, speaking on the same show, highlighted Bumrah's exceptional understanding of his own bowling, especially in the game against Afghanistan.

"The kind of understanding of his own bowling you can make out. Even when he got Rahmanullah Gurbaz out with a slower ball and wide line, he gets the execution perfect. That's what it is-it's about executing all those variations under pressure," Kumble remarked.

Kumble continued, "Getting the line right, getting the length right. For each batsman, he would have figured that out and then done it right in a big game. This doesn't come easy, and I think he has given limited boundaries in the entire tournament."

Manjrekar on Suryakumar Yadav's Performance

Manjrekar also shared his thoughts on Suryakumar Yadav's performance against Afghanistan in the Super 8 stage of the World Cup, emphasising Yadav's value to the Indian team.

"This is the advantage India has by having one of the best T20 batters in the world. Tricky pitch, Rashid Khan on song, and again you saw the value that Suryakumar Yadav brings to any team," Manjrekar said.

He added, "The thing to like about him, which is not really highlighted much, is the number of ground shots he plays. He chips the balls over the infield into the gaps, so he's not always looking for sixes."

Anil Kumble on Suryakumar Yadav's Versatility

Kumble agreed with Manjrekar on Yadav's versatility and the pressure he puts on opposition bowlers.

"It gives India the kind of power and stroke play that you need from someone batting at number four. It certainly puts pressure on the opposition bowlers because it's not easy to control a Surya in this kind of form," Kumble added.

Kumble continued, "You don't know where to bowl; wherever you bowl, the fielders find it hard to stop him from scoring boundaries. So, yes, it certainly augurs well. First game of the Super 8s, and you have Surya coming back into this kind of form."

Both Sanjay Manjrekar and Anil Kumble highlighted Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav's critical roles in India's cricket team. Bumrah's exceptional bowling and Yadav's versatile batting showcase their individual talents while underscoring India's strategic advantage in the World Cup. As the tournament progresses, their performances will be pivotal to India's success.