The Indian team management has preferred Arshdeep Singh over Mohammed Siraj as Jasprit Bumrah's fast bowling partner in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The 25-year-old pacer has lived up to that faith by becoming India's highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Arshdeep's 15 wickets are just one short of the tournament's highest wicket-taker Fazalhaq Farooqi's tally.
And yet, Jasprit Bumrah remains arguably India's most potent weapon and Arshdeep himself credits his senior bowling partner for his stellar performance in the tournament. “I think a lot of credit goes to Jassi bhai because he puts a lot of pressure on the batsmen – he gives away three or four runs an over – so the batsmen come at me strongly, and I just have to try to bowl my best and there are a lot of opportunities to take wickets,” Arshdeep said after India's 24-run win over Australia in St Lucia on Monday.
Arshdeep took three wickets for 37 runs in the match. He said that batsmen target Bumrah because of the lean overs he bowls and that gives him wickets. “On the other hand they see that runs are not being scored and the asking rate is getting higher, so they take more risks against me. [There’s a] He said, “There is always a chance to take wickets. So a lot of credit for my wickets goes to Jassi Bhai.”
Bumrah's extraordinary figures
Bumrah has taken 11 wickets in seven matches, four less than Arshdeep but the ace pacer has bowled at an economy of just 4.08, the best among bowlers who have played six matches in the tournament.
He has conceded less than 10 runs in his four overs twice. On Monday, Bumrah conceded 29 runs, the most he has conceded in this T20 World Cup, but he took the most important wicket of the day in the form of Travis Head. Head made 76 off 43 balls and helped Australia chase the target, but they never recovered from his dismissal in the 17th over. India's win ensured they reached the semi-finals. They will now face England in Guyana in a repeat of the 2022 semi-final.