Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has praised Team India's Jasprit Bumrah, labelling him a once-in-a-generation bowler. Bishop's accolades for Bumrah come ahead of India's clash with Afghanistan in the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 stage in the Caribbean.
Bumrah, renowned for his ability to neutralise conditions and deliver precise yorkers, has been a key player for India. His standout performance in the low-scoring thriller against Pakistan saw him take three crucial wickets while conceding only 14 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award.
"Jasprit is smart, a good communicator. He’s got pace, but he also knows better than many bowlers where to use his variation," Bishop noted during an interaction in the Star Sports Press Room. He highlighted Bumrah's strategic approach, saying, "You hear him say it’s not every day I go stump hunting - there are days when I go for a yorker, days I bowl a wide yorker; there are days when I assess conditions and bowl my slower ball into the pitch or use my bouncer."
Bumrah's success is bolstered by the support of fellow speedster Arshdeep Singh, who has complimented him effectively. Former India cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth also expressed confidence in Bumrah's leadership on the Caribbean pitches.
Bumrah has taken five wickets in the ICC event so far, conceding only 45 runs in 11 overs. Bishop further elaborated on Bumrah’s unique abilities, stating, "He’s got that unique action where the ball gets on to you a lot quicker. And that’s partly why those full tosses sometimes don’t get smashed because they race onto you. This guy is a generational bowler."
Bishop also compared Bumrah's impact to that of West Indies great Curtly Ambrose, emphasising the psychological edge Bumrah holds over batsmen due to his reputation. This comparison underscores Bumrah's stature as a bowler who commands respect and fear from opposing batsmen.