'He is like a Ferrari...': India coach hails Jasprit Bumrah, labels him as 'best bowler in the world'

India bowling coach Morne Morkel had nothing but praise for Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled a terrific spell against New Zealand in the third T20I of the five-match series. The latter recorded figures of 3/17 in his quota of four overs as the Kiwis got restricted to 153/9 after 20 overs. Bumrah has picked up his form heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup and this can turn out to be a big boost for India.

Morkel's praise for Bumrah

Morkel labelled Bumrah as the "best bowler in the world" and pointed out that the team always expects him to bowl a great spell due to his ability and reputation. However, the bowling coach added that these expectations can prove to be burdening for the pacer.

“Jasprit is the best bowler in the world. But at the end of the day, everybody needs somebody to talk to. There’s always a lot of expectation on him to go and bowl that magical spell and win the game for us. Sometimes, that burden can take its toll,” Morkel said in the pre-match press-conference.

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Morkel, who has played and worked with many bowling greats, believes that support is essential for players like Bumrah as they are constantly under pressure to meet the team's expectations.

“Having played the game and knowing a lot of the greats in the past that I played with, we all just need somebody to communicate with. I always check in with Bumrah to make sure he’s comfortable and if he agrees with the plans we’ve made. He’s like a Ferrari car. If you can get the engine, the oil and all of the running well, the car will perform," Morkel added.

Bumrah's performance against NZ

After failing to pick up any wickets in the first T20I against New Zealand, Bumrah was rested for the second match, However, he came back with a bang in third game and gave a Player of the Match performance as India prevailed by 8 wickets and clinched the series with two matches still left to play. The 32-year-old will be looking to maintain his form in the fourth T20I that will be held on January 29 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhatpatnam.