Nobody Can Beat Jasprit Bumrah If He Improves On How To Analyse A Game: Lasith Malinga

Veteran Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga is one of the few persons who have seen the rise and rise of Jasprit Bumrah from very close. The year was 2013 when Mumbai Indians roped in Jasprit Bumrah. At that time, Bumrah made it to the news more for his weird action rather than his undeniable talent. Fast forward to 2019 and Bumrah has become India’s pace spearhead across formats.

After impressing in the Indian Premier League, Bumrah finally made his debut in 2016 and has not looked back since then. He made his Test debut last year and soon established himself as one of the integral parts of the team. Lasith Malinga has now opened up on Bumrah’s journey in the game so far.

The legendary Sri Lanka recalled the time when he saw Bumrah for the first time in the Mumbai Indians’ camp in 2013. The Mumbai Indians legend recalled that Bumrah had the pace, he lacked the accuracy. He further said that Bumrah was a quick learner and soon mastered all the tricks.

“When I met ‘Boom’ for the first time in 2013, he was a young kid. He had pace, but the only thing lacking was accuracy. But he was always willing to learn and was extremely committed to the game. He soon realised that in T20s, only skilful players can survive. He learned everything quickly — be it the slower ball, in-swinger or out-swinger,” Lasith Malinga told Sportstar.

Lasith Malinga went on to say that he is hopeful of seeing Bumrah becoming unbeatable in the next one year or so.

“He has that confidence and that’s why he is No. 1 now. I don’t think he has any pressure. That’s why he can deliver six yorkers and one slow ball at ease. I hope in the next one year he improves on how to analyse a game. Then, nobody can beat him. Trust me on that,” said Lasith Malinga.

Bumrah, meanwhile, is currently busy leading India’s attack in the World Cup. He has shouldered the responsibility brilliantly so far. India have already made it to the semifinal of the competition. Before their semifinal clash, India would take on Sri Lanka which is likely to be Malinga’s last international game.