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Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has raised concerns about the team management's handling of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah's role in the T20 World Cup. Despite being named Player of the Match in both games against Ireland and Pakistan, Bumrah did not open the bowling.
Kapil Dev Questions Bumrah's Role
Kapil Dev, who led India to a World Cup victory, has expressed his displeasure with the team management for not utilizing Jasprit Bumrah at the start of the innings. In recent matches against Ireland and Pakistan, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj opened the bowling. Although Bumrah was named Player of the Match in both games, the debate has intensified on why captain Rohit Sharma isn't allowing Bumrah to open the bowling.
'This is not a Test Match'
On a channel, Kapil Dev stated, "Bumrah needs to bowl the first over. He is a wicket-taking bowler. If you bring him in the fifth or sixth over, the game could already be slipping away. This is not a Test match; it's T20 cricket. The quicker you take wickets, the quicker you can put pressure on the opposition. It is better to approach with a positive mindset. If Bumrah starts the bowling and takes a few wickets, it will make the job easier for other bowlers."
Bumrah's Key Role Against Pakistan
In the match against Pakistan held in New York, India set a target of 120 runs. Bumrah's exceptional performance turned the game in India's favor. He took crucial wickets of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, finishing his four-over spell with figures of 3/14.
Kapil Dev Praises Bumrah
Kapil Dev praised Bumrah for meeting expectations and earning the title of the world's best bowler. "We didn't expect Bumrah to play so much cricket because his bowling action and style put a lot of pressure on his body and shoulders. But he has proved us all wrong," he said.
