Former England captain Paul Collingwood emphasized the significance of Jasprit Bumrah for India in their upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final match against England. He stated that Bumrah, a key player from Mumbai Indians, would be the top pick for his team. Collingwood, who has won the T20 World Cup, also mentioned that it wouldn’t shock him if England targets India’s main bowling player.
Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s best bowler in the men’s T20 World Cup up to this point. The fast bowler has taken 11 wickets in 6 matches, giving away only 4 runs per over. Bumrah allowed more than 24 runs in his four-over spell for the first time in a Super 8 game against Australia. Before that match, he had only conceded 4 boundaries. However, Travis Head hit Bumrah for three boundaries in one over. Bumrah later got his revenge by taking Head’s wicket, turning the game in India’s favor.
“I believe that if you were to choose a cricket team, no matter the format, Jasprit Bumrah would be the very first player you’d write down. It’s that straightforward. Right now, he’s the top cricketer globally. His skills, speed, and the way he tricks opponents in T20 cricket are amazing,” Collingwood said to Star Sports Press Room.
“However, I’d note that historically, England has been very aggressive. If they can target and defeat the main player, the key person, it greatly impacts the other team. That’s the mindset England needs to maintain.”
“They won’t play it safe in this situation, and they won’t just try to get rid of him. Remember when Travis Head attacked Bumrah a few times during the Australia game? If the other team manages to defeat your main bowler, it might make the Indian cricket team feel discouraged. England might choose this strategy, but it’s a gamble because we all know how talented Bumrah is and how many wickets he can take,” he explained.
England’s opening batsmen, Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, have been successful in putting pressure on the opposing team’s bowlers during the early overs. Jonny Bairstow, who bats in the middle of the innings, has regained his form, and players like Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone have also performed well for the defending champions.
England is feeling confident after their 10-wicket victory over India in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. But, India’s star bowler, Bumrah, was not playing in that match. His return will strengthen India’s bowling attack in Guyana, a place that has been tough for batters.
