IND vs PAK: Don't Try To Be A Hero From Day One: South Africa Great To Jasprit Bumrah

Former South Africa fast-bowler Makhaya Ntini has warned Jasprit Bumrah as the India star gears up to play an ODI match after more than a year. Jasprit Bumrah recently made his much-awaited return to competitive cricket when he led India in the three-match T20I series against Ireland a few days ago.

It was his first competitive assignment since September last year. The India pace spearhead was sidelined with a back injury and remained on the sidelines for almost a year. He did try to make a comeback at the beginning of the year as he was named in the squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka at home. However, he experienced pain again and withdrew from the series.

In March, Jasprit Bumrah had to undergo surgery before he went to the National Cricket Academy for his rehab. The fast bowler is now fully fit and looked sharp against Ireland. He is now all set to lead India’s pace attack in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. It will be his first ODI assignment since the series in England in July last year.

And as the India pace spearhead gets ready for his ODI return, Makhaya Ntini has advised him to remain cautious. The South Africa great asked Jasprit Bumrah not to try to be a hero right from the start and instead find his rhythm.

“Jasprit Bumrah is one of the finest fast-bowlers and every single one of us want to watch him perform. From my point of view and as a player coming back from injury, all you need to do is to use your brain, use your experience. Don’t try to be a hero from day one, you might get injured [again]. Try and get into the groove,” Ntini told RevSportz.

Jasprit Bumrah the best in the world?

Makhaya Ntini was further asked to pick the best bowler in the world. He was given four options – Jasprit Bumrah, Anrich Nortje, Shaheen Afridi, or Mitchell Starc. In reply, the former bowler picked Bumrah and South Africa’s Nortje. He also backed Nortje to be the player of the tournament in the upcoming World Cup.

“Ha ha ha. I knew you were going to ask this. I will say a fit Jasprit Bumrah and Anrich Nortje. As I said to you, I think Nortje will be the player of the tournament in this World Cup,” he said.