In the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8’s opener on Thursday, Bumrah helped India start its campaign with a win as they overcame Afghanistan by 47 runs.
Bumrah’s figures of 4-1-7-3 ensured that Afghanistan were dismissed for 134 in their pursuit of 182.
Lauding his performance, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said on his official X handle, “India’s opponents should thank God that Bumrah wasn’t there in the 2022 T20 World Cup. India had lost to England by 10 wickets and we were smothered by Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, it was a shameful defeat but Bumrah wasn’t there.”
Kaif adds, “He (Bumrah) makes a comeback in the Asia Cup after injury, India wins, he plays ODI World Cup and India reaches the finals. And here also, he played first in New York, took wickets there and here also on a slow pitch with no swing, he used the slower ball and the cutter to dismiss the batsmen.”
“The way Gurbaz left his wicket aiming for an expansive shot but Bumrah doesn’t change the action when he bowls a slower delivery which spins like top in air with so many revolutionaries even dips at times. Gurbaz got down to it but couldn’t get bat on it properly and was caught behind,” summarised Kaif.
With Zazai heading towards leg side for a hit Zazai went to play but slower one was bouncing backward little stopping at third man where catch taken,” claimed Kaif.
“And here (in Barbados) on a slow pitch where there’s no help, he took wickets by changing the pace of deliveries. You won’t get a bowler like Bumrah, we Indians are very fortunate that we have a bowler like him who is in such a good form that he will play a crucial role in India winning the World Cup. Thank you so much Bumrah,” Kaif concluded.
On a slowish Barbados wicket, Bumrah picked up three wickets for just seven runs and his four-over spell was ably supported by Arshdeep Singh, who ended with 3-36. Kuldeep Yadav (2-32) and Axar Patel (1-15), followed by Suryakumar Yadav’s 53 off 28 balls – fifth T20 World Cup half-century – helped India to reach 181/8 in 20 overs after electing to bat.