Arshdeep praises Bumrah for bowling “like a video game”

Following India’s crucial win over Australia in the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh and spinner Kuldeep Yadav shared insights into the team’s strategies that led to their success. Arshdeep lauded pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional bowling, likening it to a “video game.”

Rohit Sharma’s explosive 92, coupled with impactful spells from Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav, as well as Axar Patel’s stunning one-handed catch, secured a 24-run victory for India. This win ensured their spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup.

In a video posted on the official Instagram handle of the Indian cricket team, Arshdeep discussed the challenges Kuldeep faced while bowling with and against the wind.

Kuldeep explained, “It was difficult because my ball naturally comes in for the right-handed batter. The righty was trying to target the left side. I was just reading the batsman and what he was expecting. I started with a fuller ball, a flipper, because if he sweeps, there’s a chance for us to get a wicket.”

He continued, “Then I was throwing the wrong’un, confusing the batsman. In the second over, Axar’s catch was really good and opened up the game for us.”

Arshdeep, who has taken 15 wickets in the tournament so far, spoke about his efficiency with the new ball, crediting Bumrah’s performance for easing his job. “It’s not very difficult for me because Jassi is bowling like a video game, with an economy rate of just two or three runs. The pressure he creates forces batters to take high-risk shots against me, resulting in wickets.”

He added, “Jassi deserves a lot of credit. The other bowlers form a great partnership, stopping runs from one end and getting wickets from the other. As a bowling unit, everyone is clicking very well.”

Rohit’s innings helped India post 205/5, and despite Travis Head’s counter-attacking 76 off 43 balls, India restricted Australia to 181/7 in 20 overs. Australia’s defeat, coupled with Bangladesh’s loss to Afghanistan, led to their elimination from the tournament, with only one win and two losses in the Super Eights, including a loss to Afghanistan.

India will next face England in the semifinals in Guyana on Thursday.