Sachin Tendulkar not surprised by Bumrah's emergence as a destructive bowler

Bumrah played a key role in India’s first-ever Test series triumph Down Under.

Jasprit Bumrah | Getty

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has said that he is not surprised at all by Jasprit Bumrah’s emergence as a destructive bowler in recent times. The batting maestro also backed Bumrah to be a dominant force for the Men in Blue at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.  

Many believed that Bumrah won’t be a successful bowler in Test cricket given his action but the Indian speedster proved them wrong with his wonderful showing in 2019.

Bumrah claimed 48 wickets in 9 Tests, 22 wickets in 13 ODIs and 8 wickets in 8 T20I matches during the last calendar year which saw him develop into the spearhead of the Indian pace attack. He also played a key role in India’s first-ever Test series triumph Down Under. The right-armer finished the four-match series as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps alongside Nathan Lyon.

“Honestly, I had seen this coming,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying by Sportstar on Monday.

“I am not surprised by Bumrah’s success. Having spent time with him and seen his sincere and honest efforts to improve and learn, I always knew it was a matter of time before he would rattle the best batsmen in the world.

“I have seen from close quarters how he looks to improve. In 2015, I had seen his ability to win a battle. With Kane Williamson in batting, I had said Bumrah would make his mark. I am happy he has,” the batting legend further said.

Tendulkar believes Bumrah's unconventional bowling action makes him a lethal customer against any batsman.

“His action and deceptive bowling, plus the consistency to take wickets, make him a dangerous bowler. He knows how to execute his plans. Bumrah will be a big threat to the opposition and a great asset to India at the World Cup,” he remarked.

Tendulkar was also delighted with the rise of young wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant, who has already notched up two centuries outside the subcontinent only in his nine Tests.

“Rishabh has terrific prospects in international cricket. He has a great future, but he must keep his head on his shoulders and look to enjoy his game. If he keeps his focus he will play long because things will happen around his cricket essentially. I have liked his approach and the fact that he is fearless,” the Master Blaster asserted.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 05 Feb, 2019

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