Jasprit Bumrah is receiving praise from all quarters after playing a key role in India's T20 World Cup win. Bumrah proved to be the MVP on the big stage for the Indian team and ended his ICC title drought. He was the standout bowler in the tournament and performed consistently throughout the tournament. Whatever conditions or circumstances came his way, Bumrah raised his hands and stood strong against all odds. He finished the tournament with 15 wickets in 8 matches, but his economy rate of 4.18 was surprising for many after playing throughout the tournament.
He also put up a special performance in the mega final when things were going in the Proteas' favour. Bumrah was brought back into the attack in the 16th over when South Africa needed 30 runs per ball in the final five overs. He conceded just six runs in his final two overs (16th and 18th) and shifted the momentum towards India by dismissing Marco Jansen.
Veteran Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik praised Bumrah and said that he is more valuable than the Kohinoor diamond. He called Bumrah the greatest bowler in all formats.
“When I was on air, I said he is more valuable than the Kohinoor diamond. Seriously, he is the greatest bowler in world cricket right now across all formats. Under the pressure of performing well again and again, not many people are able to do that,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
He described the 30-year-old pacer as an ideal asset for any captain who can deliver results in any situation.
“He is a captain's dream – a player who can win matches at any level, in any format – that's what makes him so special. Brilliant, prodigious – those are the words that best describe him,” he added.
Earlier, another Indian star received similar praise from Navjot Singh Sidhu, who called Virat Kohli the Kohinoor of India during the initial phase of the T20 World Cup.
Sidhu said on Star Sports, “Virat Kohli is the pride of India and world cricket. India earlier had Kohinoor, now India has Virat Kohli.”
Meanwhile, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is during his speech after winning the Player of the Match award in the final as he smashed 76 off 59 balls. His brilliant innings helped India post a challenging total – 176/7, which the Indian pacers defended in a topsy-turvy journey.