Ravi Shastri, India’s former head coach, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, describing him as a “magician with the ball.” Shastri highlighted two pivotal moments in India’s triumph: their victory over Pakistan in the group stage and their unexpected win against South Africa in the final.
In the India-Pakistan clash, Bumrah’s dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan turned the tide in India’s favor, as Pakistan was comfortably placed at 80/3. In the final against South Africa, Bumrah’s game-changing spell in the 16th over, conceding only four runs and dismissing Marco Jansen, put the Proteas on the defensive.
Shastri praised Bumrah’s ability to control the flow of the game, comparing him to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis. He noted that Bumrah’s wicket of Rizwan in the final was crucial, as it shifted the momentum in India’s favor.
Shastri also lauded Suryakumar Yadav’s spectacular boundary catch that dismissed David Miller, bringing South Africa down to 161/7 with five deliveries remaining. He emphasized that Miller’s dismissal was a game-changer, as he is known for his big-hitting abilities.
Furthermore, Shastri expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant’s resilience in returning to top-level cricket after a near-fatal car accident. He praised Pant’s exceptional keeping skills, noting that he hardly missed a catch despite the pressure of the tournament.
