Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel lauded Jasprit Bumrah for his heroics against Sri Lanka in the ongoing pink-ball Test in Bengaluru. He also recalled his bowling exploits during his early days in Ranji Trophy.
On a pitch where Sri Lanka spinners troubled Indian batters, Bumrah made sure that he made the ball talk. The right-arm pacer took his first fifer in India and helped his side bundle out Sri Lanka for just 109 runs in their first innings.
Bumrah picked his eighth five-wicket haul in Tests and gave away only 24 runs in the first innings. He removed the likes of Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, and Lasith Embuldeniya to achieve the feat.
The Indian Test vice-captain, who now has a five-wicket haul in every country he's played, was praised by many fans and pundits for his heroics. They also hailed him as India’s best all-format bowler.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Parthiv Patel heaped rich raise on Jasprit Bumrah and said that the pacer showcased his skills and variations. He said that the speedster modified his bowling according to the conditions and put his side in a good position by taking a fifer.
"There was never any doubt about Bumrah being a bowler for all conditions. He got the chance today and showed he can be effective even when the pitch is offering little swing. He removed the top-order with movement and plucked wickets with slower ones today.
“His range shows you his capability and adjusting to the surface. You have to modify your bowling according to the conditions and situation. He's proved his ability in every country and he picked up a fifer to put India in a good position today," Parthiv said.
Parthiv Patel recalled when Jasprit Bumrah came to play Ranji Trophy for Gujarat he talked to him about his variations. He remarked that the pacer’s ability to know his strengths helps him to adjust to new things.
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"When he came to play Test cricket, he had played a lot of Ranji Trophy. I talked about his range because he uses yorkers to remove tailenders but bowls different lines to other batters.
“He used to bowl bouncer while coming round the wicket, which is one thing that we haven't seen him doing much in international cricket. But he used to do that a lot in first-class cricket. Knowing his own strength and its repetitions helps Bumrah adjusts to new things," he said.
After bundling out Sri Lanka for just 109 runs, the Rohit Sharma led side set a target of 447 runs for them to chase after declaring their second innings for 303 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah then made sure that India end Day 2 on high as he removed opener Lahiru Thirimanne for a duck. At stumps, Sri Lanka were 28/1 and need 419 runs more to win the match and level the series.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
