Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has hailed India’s pace star Jasprit Bumrah as the toughest bowler to face in world cricket, adding with a touch of humour that he hopes the Indian pacer does not feature in the SA20 League. Over the past few years, Bumrah has been regarded as one of the best bowlers in the world across all formats due to his remarkable performances.
Speaking at the SA20 India Day event in Mumbai, Joburg Super Kings captain du Plessis said, “Bumrah is the toughest bowler to face in the world. Hope we don’t see him in SA20.” The 39-year-old, who has faced Bumrah both in international and franchise cricket, highlighted the Indian bowler’s unique action and pinpoint accuracy, which make him a nightmare for any batter.
Since returning from injury in April this year, Bumrah has continued his exceptional form across formats. He played a key role in India’s 2-1 T20I series win over Australia, taking three wickets at an economy rate of 6.58.
In his 79 T20Is, Bumrah has taken 99 wickets in 77 innings at an average of 18.11 and an economy rate of 6.36, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, just behind Arshdeep Singh.
Bumrah’s ability to take early wickets and his control at the death overs have cemented his position as not only India’s premier match-winner but a global standard for fast bowling excellence. He has maintained his top ranking in the ICC Test bowling rankings for a year with 882 rating points to his name.
Bumrah already holds the best bowling average in Tests among bowlers with a minimum of 200 wickets, having taken 226 wickets in 50 matches at a stunning average of 19.83 and an economy rate of 2.78. The pacer will be keen to maintain his form in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa starting on November 14.