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It is impossible that a bowler of Jasprit Bumrah’s calibre won’t feature in New Zealand’s strategic discussions ahead of the T20 World Cup final against India, skipper Mitchell Santner said on Saturday.
Bumrah has been in prime form in the ongoing T20 World Cup and his death overs bowling against a rampaging England in the semi-final has become a stuff of legends.
“Bumrah, yeah, I think he should be in everyone’s conversation, the way he has been going. Against England, he looked pretty hard to hit. He was obviously the game changer for India the other night,” Santner said.
Mitchell Santner in Ahmedabad on Saturday. PIC/GETTY IMAGES
However, Santner warned that focusing only on Bumrah would be foolish as several Indian players have stepped up during the campaign. “We knew that was [Bumrah performing] always going to be the case. He’s obviously a world-class bowler. But not just him, everyone has stepped up at different times. As a team, that’s where you want to be,” the Black Caps skipper said.
New Zealand have played five ICC finals in last 11 years and perhaps it is time they delete the word second that has often preceded ‘best’ in summit clashes. “Obviously it’s going to be a challenge and everyone knows we’re probably not the favourites. But we don’t mind. I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once,” he said with a smile.
6.62
Jasprit Bumrah’s economy rate in the ongoing T20 World Cup — the best by an Indian (minimum four overs bowled)
500
Total number of wickets claimed by Jasprit Bumrah in international cricket — he is the eighth Indian to do so
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