Jasprit Bumrah took his 16th five-wicket haul in Tests for India.
Dale Steyn, a legendary fast bowler from South Africa, has boldly asserted that Jasprit Bumrah's name helps him score wickets in addition to accuracy.
On the first day of the first test at Eden Gardens, Bumrah stunned South Africa by taking his 16th five-wicket haul in Kolkata. With 5/27 in 14 overs, the Indian fast bowler helped dismiss South Africa for just 159 in 55 overs.
After his outstanding stint, Steyn praised Bumrah for not giving the batter anything and explained how his special action, bowling on Indian surfaces, provides him with the advantage. Additionally, he clarified that Bumrah's bowling at all lengths is nearly unbeatable.
"Well, it was clearly effective. That’s why he got his wickets. I think his action really complements the pitch we’re dealing with right now. He gets the ball to skid through nicely; it almost goes underneath the bat. Even when he hits a hard length, it’s not sailing over the stumps. And when it’s hitting the stumps, you’d think batters could play a nice drive and pick up some runs, but that’s not the case. He also hits you with pace at 140 to 145 km/h; it's really quick,” said Steyn on Star Sports.
Steyn then stated that Bumrah’s name is enough to instil fear in opposition batters, even before they play him on the field, and it helps him get wickets.
“He’s not giving anything away, yet he’s still picking up wickets. That’s his mastery. The other thing about him is the threat he brings. The name Jasprit Bumrah itself carries a threat. In the dressing room, the talk is, ‘Guys, let’s see through his spell. Let’s not get out to him. We’ll try to take on the spinners or Siraj if he’s having a bad day.’ But every time Bumrah bowls a spell, he manages to pick up a wicket or two, and that puts the other bowlers in a position where, if they bowl well, they can also get wickets. His name gets him wickets, not just his ability to land the ball in the right areas,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah also emulated Dale Steyn by taking a five-wicket haul on the opening day of a Test match. Steyn had achieved this feat in the Ahmedabad Test in 2008. This was Bumrah’s 16th five-wicket haul, putting him level with leg-spinner B Chandrashekhar.