Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer Jasprit Bumrah is a "world-class cricketer" and has taken over the mantle from the team's veteran Sri Lankan quick Lasith Malinga, believes their middle-order talisman Kieron Pollard.
Pollard talked in the aftermath of MI's defeat to Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Dubai this Sunday (October 18) where Bumrah's excellence at the death was on show once again. The Indian speedster conceded just five runs in the super over, which should've sealed the deal for MI.
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However, KXIP's own experienced quick Mohammad Shami bowled just as good an over if not better to take the game to another super over.
Pollard, though, made sure Bumrah's efforts were given their due, as he heaped rich praise on him, acknowledging his worth to the side and how he has ensured they don't miss Malinga much after he opted out of this IPL season due to personal reasons.
"He's (Bumrah) a world-class cricketer," said Pollard during the post-match press conference, as quoted by ANI. "He has been number one in a couple of formats for a long period of time. He has learned and has gone leaps and bounds for us at Mumbai Indians in a run of while and so."
"We have comfort in him. A couple of years ago, we had a fit and fair Lasith Malinga and he (Bumrah) has taken over that mantle now and so."
The first super over saw Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock failing to take their team past KXIP against Shami's pinpoint yorkers. In the next one, MI lost Hardik Pandya early before Pollard took them to 11 facing Chris Jordan.
As per rules, MI couldn't have the services of Bumrah again, so they went with Trent Boult to defend their score. But KXIP's Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal reached there in just 4 deliveries.
"Obviously there are decision-makers to make the decision, you know we can look at those things and say that's where we lost the game but we played a very good game of cricket. We batted well and getting to 170 odd and bringing the game to the last over," said Pollard.
Despite the loss, only their third in nine outings, MI hold the second spot in the points table and remain on track to make the playoffs.
"Just a matter of improvement, each and every time we step on the cricket field is to improve and to do better. We will look back and analyse the game and we will come up with a better plan and hopefully get two points in the next game," Pollard signed off.
MI next lock horns with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Sharjah on Friday (October 23).
