IPL 2019: Jasprit Bumrah is a World-Class Bowler – Zaheer Khan
Mar 19, 2019 at 3:35 PM
The Director of Cricket Operations for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI), Zaheer Khan has shed light on one of the premium teams of the domestic professional league while hailing efforts of paceman Jasprit Bumrah. IPL 2019 is also seen as a preparatory ground for players ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer, who himself is excited to be part of Indians’ team, has emerged as a crucial member of support staff.
Bumrah-Malinga impresses Zaheer:
The veteran bowler Zaheer sees a major resource in Bumrah. The bowler with unusual action has impressed one and all. His success story has been written following his remarkable show in the IPL.
Bumrah, who made his IPL debut in 2013, he went on to play 61 games to bag 63 wickets at an average of 63.
“Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler. He’s an asset to have,” Bumrah revealed on Twitter.
Zaheer added Bumrah and Lasith Malinga are akin when it comes to the bowling. He is also excited on the return of Malinga as a bowler in Mumbai’s squad.
“Bumrah and Malinga are similar kinds of bowlers,” Zaheer remarked.
While representing three-time IPL champions Mumbai, Malinga has made an IPL debut in 2009. He has featured in 110 matches to snare 154 scalps at an average of 19.01. Known for his toe-crushing yorkers, Malinga has bagged four four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul.
Zaheer on Shane Bond and Hardik Pandya:
Furthermore, Zaheer has praised the work ethic of Indians bowling coach Shane Bond. He stated the New Zealand speedster is closely following the progress of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Zaheer revealed he had been in touch with Pandya, who has struggled with his back issues in the recent past.
However, Zaheer, who has often motivated youngsters to back themselves in testing times, believes Hardik is mature enough to tackle situations.
“Shane Bond is monitoring Hardik closely. I’ve been talking to Hardik too. He’s had a back issue in the past and in the longer term, Hardik knows what is needed to get rid of these issues,” Zaheer further said.
The atmosphere in the dressing room:
While shedding light on Indians camp, Delhi-based former left-arm pacer reveals there’s a good atmosphere in the dressing room. He reiterated Mumbai camp is comprised of happy bunch led by senior batsman Rohit Sharma.
The 40-year-old star bowler Zaheer believes the blue brigade is confident in the lead-up to the twelfth edition of the IPL
“The Mumbai Indians dressing room is a very happy place to be. The vibe in the dressing room is fantastic. The squad is confident. As a member of the support staff, we want to create a similar environment,” Zaheer added.
In the past, Zaheer has led Delhi Daredevils now Capitals. Overall, in IPL history, he has featured in 100 matches to bag 102 wickets at an average of 27.27. Besides, he has a four-wicket haul to his name while sending down 2,200 deliveries in the home-bound T20 league,
Meanwhile, Mumbai will kick-off their IPL 2019 campaign on March 24 against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The tourney will commence from March 23 in Chennai.