Move over Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble: Irfan Pathan picks up star pacer as most 'capable white-ball bowler in India's cricket history'

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah celebrates a wicket vs Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah celebrates a wicket vs Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup

Highlights:

In the high-tension face-off against arch-rivals Pakistan, Jasprit Bumrah was once again at the forefront.

The cricketing world has witnessed numerous legends from India, including greats like Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble. However, in a recent commendation, ex-Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has spotlighted pacer Jasprit Bumrah, elevating him as the most proficient white-ball bowler in the annals of Indian cricket. Bumrah's exceptional talent has been on full display, with him securing 10 wickets in just four matches during the current World Cup 2023.

In an interaction with Star Sports, Pathan was effusive in his admiration for Bumrah. Highlighting Bumrah's performance where he clinched two wickets, conceding only 41 runs in a 10-over spell against Bangladesh, Pathan stated, "Jasprit stands out as the most skilled white-ball bowler in the history of Indian cricket. Facing him, especially in his current form, poses a significant challenge for batsmen. The way he bowls a yorker, especially against a batter who's just hit a six, and then dismisses him when he's merely trying to defend, is a testament to his remarkable ability."

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Pathan further emphasized Bumrah's unparalleled skill at delivering devastating yorkers. Over the course of the ongoing World Cup 2023, Bumrah has given away a mere 134 runs across four matches. "When a batsman gets out trying a big shot against a yorker or is bowled attempting to defend, it speaks volumes about the quality of the delivery. And that's precisely the brilliance that Bumrah brings to the pitch," elaborated Pathan.

Diving into Bumrah's World Cup 2023 journey so far: he kickstarted the tournament with a bang, claiming two pivotal wickets against Australia, restricting them to a total of 199 in Chennai. This strong performance laid the groundwork for India's impressive 6-wicket triumph over the five-time world champions.

Bumrah's momentum didn't wane in the subsequent matches. Against Afghanistan, he showcased his prowess by picking up four wickets, while conceding a mere 39 runs, propelling India to a comfortable 8-wicket victory.

In the high-tension face-off against arch-rivals Pakistan, Bumrah was once again at the forefront. He delivered a stunning spell, taking two wickets and giving away only 19 runs, playing a significant role in India's victory, thus maintaining their unbeaten World Cup record against Pakistan.

In the contest against Bangladesh, Bumrah's twin wickets played a crucial part, especially when coupled with Virat Kohli's stellar century, steering India to a commanding 7-wicket win.

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