"He came and sort of eased his way back in" - Eoin Morgan lauds Jasprit Bumrah ahead of IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup match
Former England skipper Eoin Morgan has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah is a trump card and labelled him a game-changer ahead of the high-octane clash against Pakistan on October 14 in Ahmedabad. The Irishmen observed that India's bowling attack has a much better balance.
Bumrah has been outstanding since returning from his long-standing back injury in the three-match T20I series against Ireland. The right-arm pacer was lethal in Asia Cup 2023 and has claimed six scalps in two matches in the 2023 World Cup.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Morgan reckons Bumrah has eased his way back into the team exceptionally well. He said:
"I probably lean towards India's bowling line up as being more stronger and in form, bringing Jasprit Bumrah back in such a timely manner. It's about four or five months ago, back when they played in Dublin, he came and sort of eased his way back in with one eye on building towards a World Cup."
The Ahmedabad-born paceman made the ball talk in all phases of the innings against Afghanistan, taking four wickets to restrict the opposition to 272. Later, captain Rohit Sharma struck a blazing ton to help India to an eight-wicket victory.
"I think he's probably the game changer in both sides" - Eoin Morgan on Jasprit Bumrah
Lauding Jasprit Bumrah as the game-changer and taking into account India's balance in bowling, Eoin Morgan added:
"He is just a game changer, four wickets against Afghanistan, building pressure, taking wickets at various different stages. I think he's probably the game changer in both sides and that's nothing against Pakistan's bowling line up. I just think the balance of India's lineup with Jadeja, Kuldeep, Shardul Thakur coming back in, Hardik Pandya can bowl and bowl well at the moment is key for India."
Both rivals will play in front of a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with a few Bollywood celebrities set to attend the game. Pakistan are yet to beat India in a 50-over World Cup game and will look to break the hoodoo on Saturday.