In the pulsating arena of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where every game is a theatre of cricketing brilliance, one name shines brighter than most: Jasprit Bumrah. The retired Lasith Malinga aside, there's no bowler who can quite match Bumrah's ability to single-handedly tilt the scales of victory in favor of his team, according to former spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Bumrah's recent performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru reaffirmed his stature as a game-changer, as he clinched a five-wicket haul, sharing the prestigious purple cap with Yuzvendra Chahal. Harbhajan Singh, speaking on 'Cricket Live' with Star Sports, marveled at Bumrah's evolution as a bowler, praising his insatiable hunger for improvement.
"From his debut till now, the transformation in Bumrah's bowling has been remarkable. He's a diligent student of the game, perpetually seeking ways to elevate his craft. Even after a stellar performance like today's, he'll meticulously analyze his game, pinpointing areas for refinement," remarked Harbhajan Singh.
He further emphasized Bumrah's composure under pressure, asserting that while batters often hog the limelight in cricket, Bumrah's consistent match-winning performances make him the true superstar of the IPL.
"When you think of game-changers, names like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni naturally come to mind, given the batsmen-centric nature of cricket. But if we're talking about sheer impact, Bumrah stands apart. He possesses the rare ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly," Harbhajan Singh added.
Drawing parallels, Harbhajan likened Bumrah's brilliance to that of Lasith Malinga, acknowledging the Sri Lankan legend's influence as the bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians.
"In terms of sheer dominance, it's a short list—Bumrah and Malinga. Their consistency and ability to deliver under pressure are unparalleled. What sets Bumrah apart is his relentless pursuit of improvement. He remains grounded, humble, and extraordinarily hardworking—a testament to his character and a valuable lesson for budding cricketers," highlighted Harbhajan Singh.
Aside from Bumrah's heroics, Harbhajan Singh also lauded Suryakumar Yadav's stellar performance, particularly his match-winning half-century after a stint of injury setbacks.
"When Suryakumar Yadav is in full flow, he's a spectacle to behold. In him, I see shades of AB De Villiers—a batsman capable of single-handedly steering his team to victory. If I were a team manager, he'd be my top pick in any auction," expressed Harbhajan Singh, underscoring Yadav's immense talent and potential.
