Former India pacer RP Singh hailed Jasprit Bumrah as ‘this century’s best medium pacer’ as he got crucial wickets in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh on a pitch which wasn’t pace friendly. Singh was asked whether Bumrah will feel bad that he did not get the ‘Player of the series’ award. The left-arm pacer said that it would not play on his mind. He went on to say that without Bumran in the side, India would've wrapped up the game in the second session of Day 5.
"I don't think it would be in his mind because he knows his value and impact, the sort of player he is. Without him, it's very difficult for any captain to get such a grasp on the match, especially in Indian conditions. If Jasprit Bumrah had not been there, this match would have gone on longer," the 38-year-old said during a discussion on Colors Cineplex.
"If we see his impact after 15 to 20 years, his numbers might not be that big but I feel he is this century's best medium pacer. Get him to bowl in any condition, at any stage, and in any format, he gives his captain a wicket. So he has a massive impact," he added.
Bumrah haunts Mushfiqur
Bumrah bagged three wickets each in both innings. He ended veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim’s ressistance on the last two days of the Test as well. On Day 5, Mushfiqur was looking to extend the lead while batting with the no.11 batter. With not enough spice in the wicket, Bumrah bowled a slower off-cutter to flatten the middle stump as India bowled Bangladesh out for 146 and had a 95-run target on board which they achieved in 17.2 overs with seven wickets in hand.
"This player is extremely special. He has the game plan irrespective of the surface and the ability to give his captain a wicket on any surface and at any time, which always helps in changing the game," Singh further added.
Bumrah’s next challenge
Bumrah has been rested for the T20I series against Bangladesh. He will return to action when Indian take on New Zealand in the three-Test series starting October 16 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
