Mumbai Indians (MI) ace quick Jasprit Bumrah was at his brutal best, taking 4 wickets for just 14 runs in the victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in qualifier 1 this Thursday (November 5).
On the back of his performance, Bumrah not only worn the Purple Cap but also bagged the 'Man of the Match' award. The 26-year-old, however, said he isn't worried about the tally of scalps and is just happy playing his role in the team's win.
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"I'm okay with not taking wickets and winning the tournament. I have been given a role so I just want to execute that role," said Bumrah at the post-match presentation, as quoted by CricketNext.
Bumrah delivered two very special balls in the match. One a pinpoint yorker that sneaked past an in-form Shikhar Dhawan (0) and later, a good length ball that dislodged the stumps against a well-set Marcus Stoinis (65)
The delivery to Stoinis showed off Bumrah's intelligence as he adjusted quickly to the batsman who had set himself up to face another yorker.
"Early wickets are very important, especially with the dew coming in. I decided I will do that early in the game and when it comes off it's always nice."
"I'm okay with whatever role is given to me. It keeps me in the game, I know what's going on. I am always ready when the captain wants me to bowl."
"I usually don't focus on the end result, When I have done that it's always gone downhill. I don't focus on what I can't control. I take it ball by ball."
Bumrah is also pleased to work in tandem with Trent Boult (2/19), whose double-wicket maiden at the beginning of the chase was just the right foundation MI wanted to their defence after posting 200/5 on the board. DC could only manage 143/8 in response.
"We've got really good camaraderie. First time I'm playing with him. Been very good working with him, understanding different perspective. Help each other. We have discussions about bowling, different fields and situations. We learn from each other which is the best thing."
While satisfied with his part in the win, Bumrah joked it's nice to be given the 'Man of the Match' award in a tournament and format where batsmen tend to get them most of the times.
"Batsmen have been taking all the awards, so it's good to get it as a bowler. Ah no, I don't worry about awards. As long as the team is winning I am happy," he signed off.
