Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes Jasprit Bumrah should take a leaf out of Jofra Archer’s book after the Mumbai Indians pacer went wicketless against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium.
Archer in form, Bumrah searching
Archer has been among the standout bowlers this season, with 14 wickets in nine matches at an average of 8.27. He has been especially effective in the powerplay and has struck with the first ball of his spell on three occasions.
Bumrah, in contrast, has just two wickets in eight matches at an average of 132. Against SRH he conceded 54 runs in four overs without a wicket.
Srikkanth’s view
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said Bumrah bowled too many slower balls with the new ball against two left-handers, when he should have looked for edges. He pointed to Archer bowling at full pace and getting batters caught behind or in the slips as the approach to follow.
He also felt Bumrah lacked sharpness and did not look threatening, suggesting that fatigue might be a factor. Bumrah is trying hard, Srikkanth said, but is clearly not at his best.
The match
Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 123 off 55 balls lifted Mumbai Indians to 243/5, but it was not enough. Half-centuries from Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, along with a poor bowling display from the hosts, let SRH finish the chase in 18.4 overs with six wickets left.
