Mumbai Indians’ Jasprit Bumrah relishes bowling at death

Having emerged as a go-to bowler in the death overs, Mumbai Indians’ youngster Jasprit Bumrah has already made a mark for himself and will be difficult to be overlooked for the ICC Champions Trophy

India speedstar Jasprit Bumrah has revealed that he relishes bowling in the death overs as he feels he can play a massive role in that position. (IPL RESULTS | STANDINGS)

Jasprit Bumrah has taken 12 wickets from 10 games for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2017 so far. Former Kiwi speedster Shane Bond (left) feels Bumrah is an automatic choice for Indian cricket team for the ICC Champions Trophy in June (BCCI)

In an interactive session for iplt20.com with former New Zealand fast bowler and current Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond, Bumrah said: “It’s always difficult to bowl at the death but you can also contribute to the team as well.

“It plays a massive role when you bowl at the death so I think I’m enjoying the role so far. Let’s see how it goes in the future matches. I think the plans which we’ve talked in the bowling sessions, bowlers’ meeting are helping us.”

A few days back, Shane Bond had spoken in favour of Jasprit Bumrah, stating that he would be surprised if the latter wasn’t picked for India’s squad that would take part in the Champions Trophy.

“I will be surprised if he is not in it (the squad). He will be a good bowler in all formats. At the moment he is a good ODI and T20 bowler,” Bond said.

Jasprit Bumrah of the Mumbai Indians appeals unsuccessfully during the IPL 2017 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 1 (BCCI)

Jasprit Bumrah has taken 12 wickets from 10 games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL so far this season. Apart from his toe-crushing yorkers, his variation at the death has also helped him emerge as an effective bowler to dry out runs while taking crucial wickets.

Malinga’s influence on Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah also praised Sri Lanka fast bowlers Lasith Malinga, saying: “He’s (Malinga) been a great influence on me to bowl yorkers consistently because I used to bowl Yorkers before as well, but to bowl consistently you need practice. So, he helped me with that.”

While Malinga himself has had an average season so far, Jasprit Bumrah has been the go-to bowler for captain Rohit Sharma and he’s yet to be disappointed.

Against Gujarat Lions in the super over, Bumrah successfully defended 11 runs, giving away just six runs, including a wide and a no-ball.

“We cannot be complacent just because we’ve qualified. We’ll still have to do well, take one game at a time and move forward,” Bumrah further added when asked on what Mumbai Indians’ approach should be for the upcoming games.