Jasprit Bumrah had almost dropped off the radar as the focus shifted to the young pacers like Umran Malik, Mukesh Choudhary and others touted as the future of India's pace attack. However, in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the DY Patil Stadium on Monday (May 09), the star fast bowler demonstrated why he is one of India's top bowlers.
Bumrah had taken only 5 wickets in the ongoing IPL season but the Mumbai Indians (MI) seamer bowled a lethal spell to claim a five-wicket haul while conceding just 10 runs in his 4 overs. He was handed the ball in the powerplay and didn’t get any wicket in his first over but the match turned around on its head when he came in to bowl his second spell in the 15th over.
He took out Nitish Rana and Andre Russell in that over. In the 18th over of the first innings, the 28-year-old picked three wickets and as if that wasn’t impressive enough, he also didn’t concede a run. His performance was crucial in limiting the Knight Riders to a total of 165/9.
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When Jasprit was asked about this feat, he said that he doesn’t keep track of figures or goals and further stated his aim is to stick to the process.
"I don't keep track of figures or goals, my aim is to stick to the process. Sometimes you bowl well but don't get wickets. I was bowling well in the Test series (against Sri Lanka). Can't get desperate. Just want to contribute in whatever way I can," he said.
Despite Bumrah’s heroics and Ishan Kishan’s labored half-century (51 off 43 balls), MI suffered a huge 52-run loss which was their 9th defeat of the season. With 3 matches to go, they have no chance of reaching the playoffs.
Jasprit Bumrah said MI will look to get the right results in the remaining games and come back stronger next year.
"Always a good feeling to contribute but the important thing is for the team to win. We had our chance to do that but couldn't get it done. Well, it's about rectifying our mistakes and doing better next season," he stated.
The five-time champions will next lock horns with Chennai Super Kings on Thursday (May 12) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
(INDIA TODAY INPUTS)
