Anil Kumble lauds Jasprit Bumrah’s efforts in 1st Test against South Africa, says fast bowler would be hurt after loss

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling effort after the hosts suffered a 30-run loss against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Bumrah returned with figures of 5-27 in the first innings and played a key role in skittling out the Proteas at 159. This was Bumrah’s sixth five-wicket haul in an innings.

Furthermore, Bumrah got the crucial wicket of Corbin Bosch in the second essay and broke the important partnership he was building with Temba Bavuma. Kumble highlighted that Bumrah brought his best on a slow pitch and breathed down the neck of the opposition batters.

Kumble said on Star Sports, “On a slow pitch, Jasprit Bumrah was beating batters with pace. Yes, there is a bit of uneven bounce when it came to that (Aiden) Markram dismissal in the first innings, and then subsequently the (Corbin) Bosch dismissal in the second innings was genuine pace and the yorkers,” the former India spinner said.

“That’s what he brings to this Indian team. He will be hurting as a bowler that India couldn’t cross the line. What really amazes me is the consistency of executing all the variations that he has, and the control that he brings to his bowling. Day in and day out, the team looks up to him and he delivers, and that’s the challenging part,” he added.

On the other hand, former Indian wicket-keeper Saba Karim also praised Bumrah and said he focuses on things he can control on the ground.

“He believes only in things that he can control and the wicket, for that matter, becomes irrelevant for him because he has those special skills which come into good effect whenever the team needs them. Not only in the first innings, but also in the second innings, to break a partnership, you look at Jasprit Bumrah,” he said.

Karim said, barring the final day when Bumrah was brought late into the attack, he was utilized well by the Indian captain.

“In all conditions, he is your go-to bowler, and I thought in the first Test, except for the final day, where he was brought in late, he was utilized quite well. In the first innings, that extended spell worked so well for him. It augurs so well for India that he is so fit as of now, and he is hungry to pick up more wickets,” Saba observed.

India and South Africa will take on each other in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, from Saturday onwards.