India legend Kapil Dev has raised concerns about the Indian management’s decision not to open the bowling with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. This criticism aligns with Sunil Gavaskar’s earlier remarks on the same issue. In India’s matches against Ireland and Pakistan, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj were given the new ball.
Jasprit Bumrah surpassed Rohit and Kohli to become the most mentioned player on social media on 10th and 11th June. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wQWR34rMDu
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 12, 2024
Kapil Dev’s Advice For Rohit Sharma In Future T20 WC Matches
However, Jasprit Bumrah, who won the Player of the Match award in both games, did not start the bowling attack. Following his stellar performance against Pakistan calls for Bumrah to open the bowling have intensified.
“He needs to bowl the first over, he is a wicket-taking bowler,” said Kapil, speaking to ABP News. “If you make him bowl the fifth or sixth bowler, the game can slip out of your hands,” he added.
Kapil Dev ” Jasprit Bumrah needs to bowl the first over,if you make him bowl the fifth or sixth bowler, the game can slip out of your hands.This is not a Test match. This is T20. The quicker you take wickets, the more pressure it puts on the opposition.”pic.twitter.com/vbg5rLf9p5
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) June 12, 2024
The criticism stems from India’s defense of a modest total of 119 against Pakistan, where Rohit Sharma not utilizing his most lethal bowler from the start could have been detrimental. Bumrah ultimately turned the game in India’s favor by taking three crucial wickets: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, finishing with figures of 3/14.
“This is not a Test match. This is T20. The quicker you take wickets, the more pressure it puts on the opposition,” said Kapil, India’s leading fast-bowling wicket-taker in Tests.
Kapil Dev praised Bumrah for exceeding expectations and achieving the status of the best bowler in the world.
“It is better to have a positive mindset. If Bumrah opens the bowling and picks up a couple of wickets, life becomes easier for the other bowlers as well,” said Kapil.
Team India is set to take on challenging opponents and World Cup debutants USA on June 12 in New York. Having beaten Pakistan in their group-stage match, the USA could be a tough opponent for Rohit Sharma and co.
Also Read: Indian Fans Roar ‘Cheating’ On ‘X’ As Qatar’s Goal Sours World Cup Hopes
