If Jasprit Bumrah Strikes Well, India Would Always Be In A Dominant Position: VVS Laxman

Former Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman believes Jasprit Bumrah’s role is exceptionally critical in the ongoing Test series in England. Jasprit Bumrah’s spot has slightly come under scrutiny following his forgettable outing in the World Test Championship final. VVS Laxman believes Bumrah striking in the first over of the ongoing first Test against England spells a big series for him.

Jasprit Bumrah delivered India a breakthrough in the first over of the opening Test against England in Nottingham. He got rid of opener Rory Burns for a duck in the fifth ball of the innings to mark his comeback. But Bumrah’s run in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand had been a forgettable one as he ended wicketless and went a tad expensive as well.

When asked how essential it was from Jasprit Bumrah to strike in the first over, VVS Laxman termed it crucial as there are plenty of expectations riding. The 47-year old stated along with performing well in limited-overs, the right-arm seamer has impressed in Tests too. Thus, Laxman was surprised to see him underperform in the WTC final.

“I think it’s very important, there’s plenty of expectations from Jasprit Bumrah. Even though he has been a regular member of Indian white-ball cricket, but I think the opportunity he has got to play Test matches, he has impressed everyone. He is an out and out match-winner and that’s why I was surprised with his performance in the World Test Championship final. Because there’s so much expectations riding on him,” Laxman told ESPN Cricinfo.

I have a feeling that we have a big series from Jasprit Bumrah: VVS Laxman

But VVS Laxman claimed that Jasprit Bumrah has worked on his bowling since the final as it showed in his bowling from the first over itself. The 134-Test veteran predicts a big series from the 27-year old and feels India would be on top if he continues his excellent form. Laxman further stated if Virat Kohli is a massive part of the batting department, Bumrah is as significant to the bowling unit.

“But today, he showed he worked hard since the final in Southampton, in the nets or the match scenario because hitting good length and being absolutely spot on from the first over matters a lot. That’s what we saw from Jasprit Bumrah. And I have a feeling that we have a big series from Jasprit Bumrah and that if he strikes well, India would always be in a dominant position. He is like how Virat Kohli is important in the batting department, for me Jasprit Bumrah is the bowler, I look up to in the bowling department,” he added.

Also Read: Watch: Mohammed Shami Gets Rid Of Dom Sibley In The Third Over After Lunch