Zaheer Khan, the former India pacer and Director of Cricket Operations at Mumbai Indians, believes that Jasprit Bumrah has over the years improved massively by spending time with Lasith Malinga while playing for one of the most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.
Malinga worked as a bowling mentor after going unsold in the 2018 auctions and has returned now as a player for this edition. He and Bumrah will be an important fast bowling duo for Mumbai Indians this year. And Zaheer is quite aware of that, especially regarding Malinga as he reckons that the veteran Sri Lankan fast bowler will provide able support to captain Rohit Sharma on the field.
"We are excited about it," Zak told the reporters present on Tuesday, March 19. "The kind of experience Malinga brings to the table is immense. Not only with his bowling but when you're in a game situation, it's a relief for Rohit and other bowlers who trust his experience and the valuable advice."
"As a coaching staff, you can plan things, but when things are happening in real time, a proactive person on the field makes a huge difference in terms of decision making."
"And you have someone like Malinga as well. Bumrah kind of idolises him as well. Malinga in his peak and Bumrah are two similar kind of bowlers. Bumrah has benefitted spending time with Malinga," he added.
Talking about Bumrah and his inspirational story, skipper Rohit was effusive in praise for Mumbai Indians' scouts that have unearthed talents who have gone on to have successful careers for the national side as well.
"Mumbai's scouts should be given credit for travelling to remote places and finding these talents," he said. "When we found Bumrah and Axar [Patel] playing in of the district-level matches in Gujarat, we went and watched them play."
"Although Bumrah didn't get to play the first few years, look where he is right now. The same with Hardik [Pandya], Krunal [Pandya] and Mayank [Markande]. It's great to see these players take their game to the next level."
The IPL 2019 begins on March 23 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Mumbai Indians open their campaign a day later at their home fortress - the Wankhede Stadium - versus Delhi Capitals.
