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Once again, in a high-scoring encounter, Jasprit Bumrah turned out to be the difference between the two teams. Bumrah conceded just 27 runs from his quota of four overs and got the wicket of Washington Sundar. After Mumbai Indians' (MI) 20-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 eliminator, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend AB De Villiers lauded Bumrah for showcasing why he is the best in the business.
After 13 overs in the run chase, GT were 148/2. Sundar had just hit Trent Boult for two sixes and a four. In the last seven overs, GT needed 81 runs with Sundar and Sai Sudharsan in the middle. Bumrah was introduced into the attack and he delivered with Sundar's wicket with a booming yorker. De Villiers said that he told his son that it isn't over for Hardik Pandya's MI till Bumrah has overs left.
"Credit to Hardik for holding Bumrah back until the right time. Sai had been playing him well, so delaying his return was a smart move. Before Bumrah came back for his final two overs, I told my son, 'This game isn’t over until he’s done bowling.' Once again, he showed why he’s one of the best," De Villiers said on JioStar.
Sudharsan's wicket was turning point
The former South Africa captain also pointed out that GT were in the game despite three dropped catches. He feels an in-form Sai Sudharsan's wicket was the turning point of the game.
"The players known for stepping up in knockouts faced their fears and delivered. No one gave GT a chance at the halfway mark, but MI held their nerve – especially Jasprit Bumrah, who just keeps delivering in the big moments. A key turning point was Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal. He’d nailed that shot all season, but it didn’t come off when it mattered most. Everything seemed to go wrong for GT – dropped catches, hit wickets, chaotic moments – yet they still made it a contest," said the 41-year-old.
Sudharsan was dismissed by Richard Gleeson who came in as replacement player. In the 16th over, Sudharsan went for the scoop shot against Gleeson but got bowled. The opener scored 81 runs from 49 balls, including 10 fours and a six.
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