The emergence of young Jasprit Bumrah as a potent “death overs” bowler has come as a huge “relief” for India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who complimented the Gujarat lad for being equally effective with the new ball.
“Jasprit is someone I feel bowls well with the new ball also. Yes, he has given us some relief when it comes to death bowling. But people should realise that he will also go for runs on some days. So far he’s been very good for us with the new ball as well as at the death, " Dhoni praised the youngster, who came into the national reckoning after a successful stint with the Mumbai Indians in IPL.
Dhoni, who had earlier termed Hardik Pandya a ‘Game Changer’, said that his presence has given the side necessary balance going into World T20.
“This format is especially better-suited to somebody [Hardik Pandya], who can bat and bowl. All-rounders have two departments to contribute and can make up for failure in one with performance in the other. Also performance in one department helps them carry the confidence into the other,” the skipper said.
“That’s the reason why our team is looking more balanced. Looking at the conditions, you have three fast bowlers and two spinners. Then you include two part-timers [Raina, Yuvraj] if needed.”
Yuvraj Singh’s 18-ball-35 is something that has pleased the skipper and no wonder he stands vindicated.
“As far as Yuvi’s batting is concerned, I have already told that the more time he gets out there in the middle, the better it is for him. I felt that his approach has always been very good. He gave himself two or three balls before playing the big shot. And you saw today, he is someone who can hit sixes at will. So if the same thing continues gradually, he will be in a very good position before the World Cup.”
Virat Kohli blasted another half-century to guide India to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka and Dhoni said it is his hunger to succeed that makes him special.
