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Mumbai Indians star pacer Jasprit Bumrah recorded his first and overall second five-wicket haul in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 during the match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday. In the Wankhede match, RCB registered a 197-run target, however, Bumrah was the only bowler to maintain an economy of under six runs per over as he picked five wickets for 21 runs in his four overs. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded Bumrah's sensational performance against RCB.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Cricket Live, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Bumrah, said, “To see him bowl from day one and today, there's a huge difference. He's been a great learner of the game. And even while he was talking to Sanjay Manjrekar sir, he's so clear in his mind where he wants to pitch the ball. And no matter whatever is the situation of the game, you read the situation and don't bowl, which you can't really bowl. You bowl what you have practiced for. And, that's what he looks to do.
"He wants to learn every day, even if he got five wickets today, he'll go back and tomorrow, he'll see the videos of himself and see where he can improve. And he's so calm, composed. When it comes to pressure situation, no one does better than what he does. People often talk about Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, because it's a batter game. But, if you talk about the superstars of the game, he's by far I think, the superstar of the IPL. His number shows his growth from day one to today. He wins games on his day, like nothing. So, how many batters have done that?
If you count, like three to four batters, but if you see the bowlers, it's only Bumrah or Malinga across the format. So, unbelievable. So, the basic thing is he wants to learn and he wants to get better every day. And he's still very humble, very calm, and very, very hardworking, and he starts preparation at the nets, and that's what he mentioned. It’s a great lesson for all the youngsters. When you're practicing, practice like you're playing the game. Only if you practice right, then you'll be able to perform the way you want to perform.”
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Cricket Live, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, said, “They batted beautifully up the orders. Rohit and Ishan Kishan, they were brilliant. This is the normal Ishan Kishan that you'll see on his best day. Anything comes on his way, he'll look to hit four or six. He doesn't believe in single or doubles. And Rohit was equally good. That partnership, 401 runs, sets the game in favour of Mumbai Indians, and it came in just 53 balls. Any team would love to have a batter like Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan at the top of the order. Without giving too many chances to the opposition, they're still able to play freely and score that freely. It's something very, very special and he often does it. That’s where I think Mumbai Indians won the game 70%. Then Surya Kumar Yadav came and even the ballers had no clue where to go to hit.”
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Cricket Live, former West Indies legend Brian Lara on MI’s batting performance, said, “That's a huge win, and obviously both captains said that they would have fielded first. Because of the two of night, Mumbai Indians won the toss and they did that. You'd think 196 is a good score, but not with that batting line-up that Mumbai Indians have. They're just a punishing batting lineup. It's relentless. The opener session, Kishan, Rohit Sharma, and just everyone that comes in, there's no respect. Mumbai Indians were clinical, they destroyed RCB tonight.”
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Cricket Live, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Ishan Kishan and RCB’s bowling, said, “Bowling in the right areas as everyone was looking to ball away from him, rather than somebody could have just bring the ball back into him and could have cracked him, those are the changes you have to think there then as a bowler, you know what works for you what doesn't. This is a T20 format. So, I think RCB didn't hold as well as they should have to. But Ishan Kishan didn't ask them to hold that. He made some beautiful shots, whatever opportunities came on his way, whether it's flick or cover, and some of the shots up, for six unbelievable shots. So it's good to see him, he's coming so good for the Mumbai Indians.”
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Cricket Live, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Suryakumar Yadav, said, “When Suryakumar Yadav shines, you don’t want to see anyone. When I see this guy, I think he's a better version of AB De Villiers. He's got more number of games for this franchise than anyone playing this format, so unbelievable play and if I was part of any team, he would be my first pick if he comes in the auction”
(With Inputs From Press Release)