Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has heaped praise on premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah, stating that he is as crucial to the Indian cricket team’s bowling department as Virat Kohli is to the batting department. Harbhajan also expressed that there is no bigger name than Bumrah in the bowling arena.
After a long injury layoff, Jasprit Bumrah has finally made his comeback to the Indian squad as the captain for the short three-match T20I series against Ireland. He was last seen in action in September 2022 before being sidelined with a back injury.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh expressed his hopes that Bumrah remains fully fit and avoids any further injuries, as he has missed a considerable number of matches for India. Harbhajan further elaborated:
“Jasprit Bumrah has made a comeback. He was injured for a long time, and his return was eagerly awaited. He has come back and has been made the captain straightaway. Congratulations to Jassi for becoming the captain and foremost for getting fit. I hope and keep my fingers crossed that Jassi doesn’t get injured again. He has been missed a lot, whether you see the WTC final or the cricket that was played before that. I used to say earlier, and I am saying it today as well, that if we talk about batting, we talk about Virat Kohli, and if there is a Virat Kohli of bowling, it is Jasprit Bumrah. There is no bigger name than him.”
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Harbhajan Singh also shared his thoughts on India’s squad selected for the T20Is against Ireland. He was delighted to see Ruturaj Gaikwad appointed as Bumrah’s deputy and the return of pacer Prasidh Krishna, who was out of action since August 2022.
Several key players, including Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Axar Patel, have been rested for the series. Team India is all set to tour Ireland for a short three-match T20I series, with matches scheduled at Malahide in Dublin on August 18, 20, and 23.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad will be this team’s vice-captain – well deserved. Then there is Yashasvi Jaiswal, he had to be there because he is a mighty player. Tilak Varma has been given an opportunity. Everyone’s beloved Rinku Singh has been given a chance. We expect to see his show in Ireland as well. Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, and Shivam Dube are there in the team. Washington Sundar has made a comeback. Shahbaz Ahmed is there in the team, and Ravi Bishnoi has made a comeback. Prasidh Krishna has made a comeback. He is a talented fast bowler who I feel can serve India for a long time in Test cricket. Arshdeep Singh has also made a comeback, and Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan are a part of the team.”