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In an era dominated by fearless batting and flat pitches, Jasprit Bumrah has redefined the role of a fast bowler across formats. With his unorthodox action, razor-sharp accuracy, and unmatched composure under pressure, Bumrah has consistently delivered when India have needed him the most. Whether it is defending runs at the death in T20 cricket or producing match-defining spells in Tests, the Ahmedabad-born pacer has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and feared bowlers of his generation. His ability to adapt to conditions, outthink batters, and execute skills with precision places him firmly in the conversation of the greatest fast bowlers the game has seen.
Morne Morkel terms pace legend as the ‘Ferrari’ of the team
That stature was further reinforced when India bowling coach Morne Morkel delivered glowing praise for Bumrah ahead of the fourth T20I of the ongoing series. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Visakhapatnam, Morkel described Bumrah as the best bowler in the world while also shedding light on the mental demands that come with such elite status.
Morkel acknowledged that Bumrah carries enormous expectations every time he walks onto the field. The Indian pacer is often seen as the go-to option in crunch moments, especially in the death overs, where matches are frequently decided. According to Morkel, that constant responsibility can weigh heavily on any player, no matter how skilled or experienced.
“Jasprit is the best bowler in the world, incredibly skilled, but ultimately, everyone needs someone to talk to, to lighten their burden. Whenever he steps onto the field, there’s immense pressure on him; he’s always expected to go out there and perform well, to deliver those magical spells, to win matches for us in the death overs. As a bowler or a player, sometimes that burden can become overwhelming,” said Morkel.
Drawing a vivid analogy, the former South Africa quick compared Bumrah to a Ferrari—an elite machine that needs careful management to perform at its peak. Morkel stressed the importance of communication and mental well-being, revealing that he regularly checks in with Bumrah to ensure he is comfortable with the team’s plans and in the right headspace. The message was clear: Bumrah’s world-class talent is unquestionable, but sustaining excellence requires support, trust, and balance.
“So for me, having played cricket and knowing all the great players I’ve played with, we all just need someone to talk to and to go through the processes. For me, I’m always checking in with Bumrah, asking if he’s okay, if he agrees with our plans. So it’s about getting him into that good mental space because we know he’s world-class, and it’s like a car, a Ferrari. If you can get the engine and the oil and everything else running smoothly, the car will perform well,” added Morkel.
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India dominate as series momentum builds
India’s strong position in the five-match T20I series adds further context to Morkel’s comments. The hosts currently lead the series 3-0 against New Zealand, showcasing dominance in all departments. Bumrah’s influence has been central to that success, as his spells have consistently applied pressure and broken partnerships at crucial junctures.
With the fourth T20I set to begin today, India will be aiming to continue their winning momentum and potentially continue their unassailable lead in emphatic fashion. Bumrah’s presence gives the team a psychological edge, not just because of his wicket-taking ability, but also due to the calm assurance he brings to the bowling unit.
