"If he has any problems in life, I hope Rohit Sharma doesn't end up calling Jasprit Bumrah" - Dinesh Karthik hails ace pacer after IND-BAN 2024 series
Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik hailed ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah as skipper Rohit Sharma's ultimate go-to option under duress. Playing his first series after helping India win the T20 World Cup with a Player of the Tournament performance, Bumrah was at his best in the just-concluded Bangladesh home Test series.
The 30-year-old finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets at a stunning average of 12.81 in the two Tests. Bumrah boasts an incredible record at home despite playing on spinner-friendly pitches with 44 wickets at an average of 15.47 in 10 outings.
Speaking on the post-match show for Cricbuzz (quoted by TOI), Karthik praised Bumrah as a gift for Indian cricket.
"He is the gift that keeps giving Indian cricket. You can see how much the players value him as well. Rohit Sharma, I think he has kept it very simple. When in doubt, call Jasprit Bumrah. If he has any problems in life, I hope Rohit Sharma doesn't end up calling Jasprit Bumrah to be the problem solver for that as well. But literally, that's how he has used Jasprit Bumrah. Under pressure - Jasprit Bumrah," said Karthik.
He added:
"Twice in two days, he has bowled jaffas to Mehidy Hasan. It was so good to see Bumrah reverse-swing the ball. Just the sight he is able to produce for the fans. Brilliant. Outstanding cricketer."
Bumrah's heroics helped India whitewash Bangladesh in the two-Test series and complete their 18th consecutive Test series win at home.
Jasprit Bumrah attains No.1 spot on latest ICC Test bowler rankings
Jasprit Bumrah continued piling the accolades by becoming the World No.1 in the latest ICC Test bowler rankings.
The 30-year-old overtook his Indian teammate Ravichandran Ashwin for pole position. Bumrah has been at his devastating best in Tests this year, picking up 38 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.42 with two five-wicket hauls.
The champion pacer also boasts incredible overall Test numbers with 170 wickets in 38 outings at an average of 20.18, including 10 five-wicket hauls.
Bumrah will be back in the whites next when India takes on New Zealand in a three-Test home series, starting on October 16.