He Always Turns Up And Delivers: Kevin Pietersen Hails Mumbai Indians' Star As His Player Of IPL 2020

Former English captain Kevin Pietersen had been actively involved in IPL 2020 in the panel of experts in the dugout. However, he had to opt out of his role midway through the edition for personal reasons. Nevertheless, Kevin Pietersen followed the 13th season of the extravaganza as there were exquisite performances in display throughout the same. He hailed the Mumbai Indians’ Jasprit Bumrah as the player of the tournament as the franchise lifted its fifth title.

There is no questioning Jasprit Bumrah’s role in Mumbai Indians’ second successive title victory despite going wicketless in the final. Bumrah ended the 2020 edition with a tally of 27 wickets in 15 fixtures at 14.96 at an economy rate of 6.73. The lanky seamer fell short of Kagiso Rabada’s 30 scalps, which earned the purple cap. He was threatening in the final against Delhi Capitals and was economical, finishing with figures of 4-0-28-0.

According to Kevin Pietersen, he found it challenging to choose between Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada for the player of the tournament. However, considering, Mumbai Indians won the title, Pietersen decided to go ahead with Bumrah. The South African-born stated that even though the 26-year old began steadily, he took 27 wickets in batting-friendly decks in the UAE, which was magnificent. Pietersen added that once Bumrah found his stride, he became nearly unstoppable and played the most significant part in MI’s win.

“This was a toss-up between Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada. But look at who was holding the trophy aloft after Tuesday’s final. You’ve got to go with the Mumbai Indians player. IPL conditions were batting-friendly, particularly for the first part of the tournament, so to take 27 wickets was yet another fine effort by Bumrah. He was a slow starter in the tournament, but ultimately he always turns up and delivers. Once he had warmed up he became the star of the show and his efforts at both ends of the innings meant that he was the biggest contributor towards Mumbai winning the title again,” Kevin Pietersen stated as quoted by Metro.co.uk.

“Devdutt Padikkal has got such a bright future” : Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen was particularly impressed with Devdutt Padikkal, who got the award for the emerging player for mustering 473 rus, showing the calmness, and looking like a seasoned player amongst Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers. The 40-year old remains confident that Padikkal has a bright future. He did not fail to mention Ishan Kishan, who hammered 516 runs with 30 sixes, being 22, showed more maturity than most in his gameplay.

“Devdutt Padikkal has got such a bright future. Some of his shot-making for RCB was, of course, excellent but he was so calm under pressure in a few situations. ‘He also managed to ease himself into batting with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, looking like a seasoned campaigner alongside them. I thought that was a sign of someone very special. ‘I’d also like to mention Mumbai Indians’ Ishan Kishan. He’s just 22 and I thought that he had a fabulous season, scoring 516 runs and hitting 30 sixes, which was more than anybody else,” he added.

Also Read: Watch: Tim Paine Tosses His Gloves Away In Anger Following A Controversial Dismissal