Legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara offered valuable advice to the Bangladesh team ahead of their Super 8s match against India in the T20 World Cup 2024. The highly anticipated game will take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on June 22, Saturday.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Focus of Attention
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star speedster, has been instrumental in India’s unbeaten run in the tournament. With eight wickets in four matches and an economy rate of less than four runs per over, Bumrah has been a standout performer. His exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award against Pakistan, where he took three wickets. In the match against Afghanistan, Bumrah recorded the most economical spell by an Indian bowler in T20 World Cup history, conceding just seven runs and taking three wickets, leading India to a 48-run victory.
Lara’s Praise and Humorous Offer
Brian Lara praised Bumrah, recognizing him as a world-class bowler. He humorously offered Bumrah a place in the West Indies team, highlighting his admiration for the Indian pacer. Speaking to Star Sports, Lara said, “I’ll put you down on it. I think Jasprit Bumrah is obviously a world-class bowler. He is the best bowler in the world, but there are quite a few. I mentioned a couple of days ago that if he wants to stay in the West Indies, we can organize a passport, a place for him to stay, and he can play for the West Indies for a few years. But just as humor, I think he is world-class.”
Strategic Advice to Bangladesh
Lara warned teams not to challenge Bumrah if they aim to score runs against India. He placed Bumrah in the same category as legendary fast bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Curtly Ambrose, and Wasim Akram. He advised Bangladesh to avoid targeting Bumrah if they want to succeed. “I think what other players, batters, captains, and managers have to do is understand that they don’t have to go against Jasprit Bumrah. If Bangladesh wants to succeed against India, they can’t go after him. It’s as simple as that. If you do, you’re going to bury yourself,” Lara remarked.
He emphasized Bumrah’s exceptional skills, stating, “He’s that good, and it will trigger your patch bonus like that. The McGraths, the Ambroses, Wasim Akram – he’s just one of those top-class bowlers that will go down in history as one of the greats. Trying to take him on is an opera.”
As Bangladesh prepares to face India, Brian Lara’s advice serves as a strategic guideline on handling Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling prowess. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a victory in the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2024.
