T20 World Cup 2024: Hard to argue there is anyone better than him – Ricky Ponting lauds Jasprit Bumrah

Former Australian World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting reckons it is hard to argue that there is anyone better than Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah bowled a superb spell of 2-18 in the high-octane final against Proteas as India were able to defend the target of 177, registering a thrilling seven-run win to win their second T20 World Cup title. The fast bowler accounted for Reeza Hendricks and Marco Jansen in his match-winning spell.

The gun fast bowler was at his absolute best throughout the World Cup and delivered at both ends of the innings. Bumrah bagged 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17 in the eight matches of the T20I showpiece as he came up with consistent performances.

Bumrah returned with figures of 2-6 in the opening game against Ireland and then bowled a match-winning spell of 3-14 against arch-rivals Pakistan. The Indian pack leader picked 2-12 in the semifinal against England.

Ricky Ponting said while talking to ICC, “He’s a star. Has been for a long time and it’s pretty hard to argue that there’s anyone better than him in the world at the moment.”

Ponting said Bumrah has the skills to deliver with the new ball as well as the old ball. 

​​“He’s a new ball and old ball specialist, and there’s not too many of those around,” he said.

Speaking on Bumrah’s impressive numbers in the World Cup after he was awarded Player of the Tournament, Ponting said, “I’m looking at his numbers today, I think he has gone just at just over four runs per over for this entire tournament and thoroughly deserved his Player of the Tournament award.”

Bumrah has picked 89 wickets in 70 T20I matches at an average of 17.74 and a brilliant economy rate of 6.28.