Makhaya Ntini, a South African fast bowling great, believes that Jasprit Bumrah of India is an unusual talent. He says India just isn’t as strong without Jasprit Bumrah.
Jasprit Bumrah is in India’s team for the current two-Test series in South Africa. He’s expected to play on the second day of the Centurion Test on Wednesday, December 27, weather allowing.
The 30-year-old is India’s leading pacer in all three game formats. He’s taken 128 wickets during 30 Tests, averaging 21.99 with eight hauls of five wickets. In 89 ODIs, Bumrah gained 149 wickets. He’s also achieved 74 wickets in 62 T20Is, averaging less than 20.
Ntini, who was quoted by news agency PTI, described Jasprit Bumrah as a very talented fast bowler and said:
“Look where Bumrah releases the ball. He releases the ball from the top of his head. So, he gets the angle to bring the ball back in. He can get deliveries to straighten after pitching. I don’t know if he has powerful wrists and action is always the same, that’s how beautiful it is.”
Makhaya Ntini
Makhaya Ntini Added:
“His yorkers, he doesn’t miss any, those are the things everyone gets to enjoy. India isn’t the [same] team without Bumrah,” the former Proteas pacer went on to add.
Makhaya Ntini
Due to a back ailment, Jasprit Bumrah missed many months of activity. However, he returned from injury admirably during this year’s Ireland trip, and he hasn’t looked back since. With an average of 18.65 and 20 wickets in 11 matches, he had an outstanding ODI World Cup campaign.
“He will get a lot of runs for India in the middle order” – Ravi Shastri on KL Rahul
For the Test series between India and South Africa, Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling skills will be essential. Meanwhile, KL Rahul with a bat will be a crucial player. As shown on Tuesday, he made a solid fifty on the first day at the Centurion Test.
On the first day of play, Team India progressed from 24/3 to 208/8 at stumps thanks to Rahul’s unbroken 70 runs off 105 balls.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri praised Rahul, saying as much to Star Sports:
‘He has made batting look easy. When you look at his footwork and the balance, it was pretty amazing. The knock also shows that the number is right for him in Test match cricket. I think he will get a lot of runs for India in the middle order.”
Ravi Shastri
India will bat first in Centurion, with Mohammed Siraj (0*) and Rahul (0) at the wicket. On Day 1, Jasprit Bumrah was bowled by Marco Jansen and removed for 1 off 19 runs.