Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah’s contribution to India ahead of their T20 World Cup final against New Zealand
on Sunday, March 8, which will be played at the latter's home ground – the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Clarke stated that Bumrah has been a key player for the Men in Blue due to his skills and mental strength. The World Cup-winning skipper believes the 32-year-old pacer to be the differentiating factor in the highly anticipated clash in Ahmedabad and has backed him to win the Player of the Match accolade as well.
"One thing is having so many options (variations), but most importantly, having the skills to execute under pressure. This is what makes him the best in the world. He has been a defining factor for India. I wouldn't be surprised if he is Man of the Match in the final. He's just so dominant," Clarke was quoted on the Beyond23 podcast.
“Bumrah, he is just a freak. All three formats, he is, by a distance, the most important player in the world in all three formats. He is a match-winner. He bowls the most difficult overs. Run-saving machine, wicket-taker, execution under pressure is better than anybody in world cricket," Clarke added.
Bumrah was the key to India’s success during their semi-final triumph against England at the Wankhede Stadium. The pacer bowled an excellent spell towards the death, conceding just 14 runs of two overs to restrict the likes of Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran. His spell was ultimately match-winning as the hosts registered a narrow seven-run win.
Bumrah's excellence in T20 World Cup
Prior to the showpiece final, Bumrah has taken 10 wickets in the tournament at an unbelievable economy of just 6.62. Averaging 15.90, the Ahmedabad-born pacer's best (3 for 15) came against South Africa in their Super Eight game at the same venue as the final. Despite his best efforts with the ball, India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat after bundling out for just 111 runs.
Bumrah has played a total of 94 T20I games in his illustrious career and has taken 117 wickets at a mind-boggling rate of 6.55.
