After India’s T20 World Cup victory in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the unparalleled Jasprit Bumrah was swept up in the wave of happiness and satisfaction. Less than three years prior, he had experienced grief at the same venue.
India had lost to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final in front of a full crowd. And after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 showpiece final, Bumrah was relieved to have banished the memories of that agonizing defeat on a November night.
“Feels extremely special because I’ve played one final in my home venue but couldn’t win that one, but today I won,” Player of the Match Bumrah said after the title victory.
In the final, India bowled out New Zealand for 159 after scoring an impressive 255/5 in their 20 overs, with Bumrah finishing with outstanding figures of 4/15 in four overs.
Three days after his exploits against England in the semifinal, he was also on a hat-trick in the title clash.
“I knew wicket was a flat one, so I had to use all my experience. Before this tournament I was in that zone where I felt I was trying too hard because I was bowling well but felt I was trying too hard. This tournament I just tried to let the game come to me, and that worked really well,” Bumrah said.
“My individual assessment has always been my strength, and getting Man of the Match at my home ground in a World Cup final, it doesn’t get better than that.”
When asked about his slower balls, which the batters were unable to handle, the modest Bumrah responded, “Because of the experience, because I’ve played on belters over here, and I have seen the other teams too, I learned that trying to bowl too fast can make shot-making easier. So just played smart, and tried to think of what the batsmen were trying to do.”
Regarding the Indian bowling group, the pace spearhead stated, “Whenever we discuss, they always come up with options. And when communication is needed we did that. We never panicked. Kept our heads above the water. Teams that do that win the tournament and I am very happy we did it.”
