Ponting hails Jasprit Bumrah as best contemporary multi-format bowler
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian cricket captain, has termed India's Jasprit Bumrah as the "best multi-format bowler" of recent times. Ponting's praise comes after Bumrah made an impressive return to form following a back injury in 2022. Despite missing out on several key tournaments due to his injury, including IPL 2023, Bumrah was pivotal to India's success in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
Ponting commends Bumrah's post-injury performance
In a conversation with the International Cricket Council, Ponting expressed his admiration for Bumrah's post-injury performance. "There might have been some fears a couple of years ago when the injuries came in and 'would he come back the same?', I think he's actually come back better," said Ponting. He further highlighted that Bumrah played a crucial role in the 2023 ODI and 2024 T20 World Cup.
Ponting compares Bumrah to cricket legends
Ponting drew parallels between Bumrah as well as legends Glenn McGrath and James Anderson. The former Australian captain emphasized that the best way to evaluate a player is by asking the opposition about them. "And when you talk to opposition batsmen about him (Bumrah) in particular, it's always, 'No, he's a nightmare! You never know what's going to happen," Ponting said.
Role in India's T20 World Cup victory
Bumrah was the Player of the Tournament in India's title-winning T20 World Cup campaign. The right-arm seamer took 15 wickets in eight matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.17. His meticulous line and length, including pin-point yorkers at crucial junctures stood out. Bumrah has been on a well-deserved break ever since. Ponting believes that Bumrah has been a cut above the rest across all formats since his comeback from injury.
Bumrah's expected return and future prospects
Bumrah is expected to feature in India's impending three-match Test series against New Zealand in October. It was earlier reported that he will be rested for the Duleep Trophy and India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, which preceeds the New Zealand series. India will also require Bumrah's services in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar series against Australia Down Under in December-January.
