Uthappa Praises Bumrah as India’s Reliable Finisher in Tough Situations
Jasprit Bumrah’s crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock and Varun Chakravarthy’s spin brilliance seal India’s 2-1 T20I series win
New Delhi, Dec 20: Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa praised pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his match-turning performance in the fifth T20I against South Africa, calling him India’s “banker when things go sour.” Bumrah’s crucial catch-and-bowl of Quinton de Kock, who was threatening to take the game away, triggered a collapse that helped India secure a 2-1 series victory.
Alongside half-centuries from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, and a four-wicket haul from spinner Varun Chakravarthy, Bumrah delivered a silent yet decisive performance. When South Africa cruised to 120 after 10 overs, Bumrah’s breakthrough broke the momentum, with Varun Chakaravarthy complementing him by dismissing Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira in quick succession.
Speaking on ‘Cricket Live’, Uthappa said, “Bumrah gave just six runs in his first couple of overs and got the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock when India desperately needed it. Varun came back strong, targeting batters’ weaknesses perfectly. Both were phenomenal.”
In the series, Bumrah took 4 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 19.75 and an economy of 7.18, with best figures of 2/17. Varun was awarded Player of the Series, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 11.20 and an economy rate of 7.46, including best figures of 4/53.
Former South African pacer Dale Steyn highlighted Bumrah’s impact, stating, “It is the Bumrah effect once he gets a key wicket, it triggers a collapse. Elite bowlers like him dictate games, and SA learned this the hard way.” Steyn also noted South Africa’s struggle against Varun Chakravarthy’s spin, with middle-order batters often getting out despite understanding his deliveries.
Match Summary: India posted 231/5, with Tilak Varma scoring 73 off 42 balls. During the chase, South Africa’s opener Quinton de Kock made 65 off 35 balls, but following his dismissal, the Proteas lost wickets regularly, finishing at 201/8, 30 runs short. Bumrah (2/17) and Varun Chakravarthy (4/53) were key contributors, while Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with a wicket.
