“His numbers might not be that big but I feel he is this century’s best medium pacer” – RP Singh lauds Jasprit Bumrah’s performances vs Bangladesh

Former Indian pacer RP Singh hailed Jasprit Bumrah’s consistent performances against Bangladesh. Singh tipped Bumrah as this century’s best medium pacer despite him playing only 197 matches for India.

During the first Test match against the Tigers, Bumrah also completed 400 International wickets. The gun fast bowler scalped 11 wickets (joint most with Ravichandran Ashwin) in two Test matches against the visitors at an impressive average of 12.82.

The ace pacer returned with impressive figures of 3-50 in the first innings and then bagged 3-17 in the second essay of the second Test at Kanpur. Thus, he played an instrumental role in India’s 2-0 series win.

“I don’t think it would be in his mind because he knows his value and impact, the sort of player he is. Without him, it’s very difficult for any captain to get such a grasp on the match, especially in Indian conditions. If Jasprit Bumrah had not been there, this match would have gone on longer,” RP Singh said on Colors Cineplex.

“If we see his impact after 15 to 20 years, his numbers might not be that big but I feel he is this century’s best medium pacer. Get him to bowl in any condition, at any stage, and in any format, he gives his captain a wicket. So he has a massive impact,” Singh added.

Singh, who played for UP, added that Bumrah picked up wickets at crucial time for the hosts. Bumrah also bamboozled Mushfiqur Rahim with a slower ball in the second dig.

“Jasprit Bumrah, because he picked up wickets at crucial times. He used so many variations. When we were standing at the fifth day’s play today in the Kanpur Test match, where pace bowling was not that effective, he picked up wickets despite that. We also got to see slower balls,” he reasoned.

“This player is extremely special. He has the game plan irrespective of the surface and the ability to give his captain a wicket on any surface and at any time, which always helps in changing the game,” Singh observed.

Bumrah will be next in action in the three-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning October 16.