IND vs USA: Kapil Dev warns Rohit Sharma of consequences over Jasprit Bumrah's mistreatment

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev isn’t happy with Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain questioned the Indian cricket team management’s decision not to open the bowling with Jasprit Bumrah in the tournament.

The legendary all-rounder slammed Rohit and Indian head coach Rahul Dravid’s strategy as he expressed his frustration at the underutilization of Bumrah in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. He emphasized the importance of Bumrah opening the bowling for Team India, citing his ability to take early wickets as a game-changer in the mega ICC event.

Kapil Dev questions Rohit Sharma's bowling tactics in ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Kapil even said that he would approach captain Rohit to understand India’s strategy, as he feels Bumrah’s delayed introduction into the attack could result in missed opportunities and allow the opposition to gain momentum in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

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Kapil Ded told ABP News: “The next time I would go and ask the captain this question because to know about their thought process, I'd need to be among them. According to my experience, he needs to bowl the first over. He is a wicket-taking bowler. If you make him second or third change or make him bowl the fifth and sixth over, the game can slip out of your hands.”

The former Indian skipper also admitted to underestimating Bumrah’s strength due to his unorthodox action and bowling workload. However, Bumrah's resilience and skill have proved everyone wrong and established him as one of the world's premier bowlers.

He added, “We didn't think he would be able to play so much cricket. We felt it would be difficult because of his action and the way he runs, the pressure it puts on his body and shoulders. But he has proved all of us wrong and even proven that by this action itself, I can show become the best bowler in the world.”

Kapil Dev calls for Jasprit Bumrah's early inclusion in India's bowling attack

Kapil emphasized the significance of an aggressive mindset in T20 cricket, where early breakthroughs can set the tone for the entire match. He advocated for a proactive approach from India at the ongoing showpiece event, where Bumrah can put pressure on the opposition from the start.

However, the legendary all-rounder admitted that there is risk in handing the new ball to Bumrah, but the Men in Blue will have to back his abilities while maintaining a positive outlook. He mentioned that sometimes India have to pay the price, but if it comes through a loss, it's tough, so better to have that “positive mindset” from the very beginning.

Kapil signed off by saying, “This is not a Test match. This is T20. The quicker you take wickets, the more pressure it puts on the opposition. So, if Bumrah opens the bowling and picks up a couple of wickets upfront in a two-over spell, then the other team will always struggle. And then life becomes earlier for your other bowlers. Sometimes Bumrah will also get hit but the belief should be to plan with a positive mindset.”

Notably, India already won their first two games in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, beating Ireland and Pakistan, and now they are just one win away from qualifying for the Super-8 round of the tournament. The Men in Blue will face the USA in their next game on June 12 in New York.