The Indian cricket team is currently at the top of the points table in Group A and a big role has been played by two Indian cricketers in this regard – Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah.
While Rishabh Pant has been consistent with the bat and also in his wicket-keeping, Bumrah has been bowling terrifically and has been adjudged as the Player of the Match in the first two matches that India has played.
However, the former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev under whose captaincy India won its first World Cup is not happy with the manner in which Jasprit Bumrah is getting treated by the Indian skipper and the team management.
Well, it is not just Kapil Dev but many fans are also confused as to why Rohit Sharma is not making Jasprit Bumrah open the Indian bowling. There is no doubt that Jasprit Bumrah is the best Indian pacer of the current times but Rohit Sharma is using him as either first or second change and this strategy has baffled Kapil Dev so much that during a show, he said that next time he would go and ask Rohit Sharma about it so that he also knows the thought process behind this tactic. Kapil Dev said that we can think anything sitting outside but based on the cricket that he has played and seen, Bumrah needs to bowl the first over of the innings.
Kapil Dev further said that Jasprit Bumrah is a wicket-taking bowler and if he is used as second or third change, the team may lose the match.
However, this is not the first time that Rohit Sharma is not using Jasprit Bumrah as an opening bowler, even in the ODI World Cup 2023, mostly Hardik Pandya opened the bowling with Mohammed Siraj excluding some instances in which Jasprit Bumrah opened the bowling.
Kapil Dev further said that it will be better for the team to play with a positive mindset from the beginning and as it is T20 and not a test match, the sooner they take wickets, more pressure will be experienced by the opposition. He added that if Bumrah opens the bowling and dismisses a couple of batters, the other team will be in problem and it will be easier for the other bowlers as well. Kapil Dev further said that there will be times when batters will hit Bumrah also but the team should maintain positive attitude.
Kapil also praised Jasprit Bumrah for his fitness and for proving all those wrong who felt that he won’t be able to play much cricket because he puts a lot of pressure on his body because of his action and his run-up.
Do you also feel that Kapil Dev is correct that Jasprit Bumrah should open the bowling for India? What are your views in this connection? Do share with us.
