In an era dominated by fearless hitting and flat pitches, jasprit bumrah redefined the role of the fast bowler across formats. With his extraordinary movement, razor-sharp accuracy and unmatched composure under pressure, Bumrah has consistently delivered when India needed him most. Whether defending runs at the death in T20 cricket or producing match-defining spells in Tests, the Ahmedabad-born pacer has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and feared bowlers of his generation. His ability to adapt to conditions, overpower batters and execute skills with precision places him firmly in the conversation of the greatest fast bowlers the game has seen.
Morne Morkel calls the pace legend the ‘Ferrari’ of the team
This stature got stronger when he became India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel had glowing praise for Bumrah ahead of the fourth T20I of the ongoing series. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Visakhapatnam, Morkel described Bumrah as the best bowler in the world and also shed light on the mental demands that come with such elite status.
Morkel admitted that Bumrah carries huge expectations every time he takes to the field. The Indian pacer is often regarded as a death-defying option in moments of crunch, especially when matches are often decided. According to Morkel, this constant responsibility can put a heavy burden on any player, no matter how skilled or experienced.
“Jasprit is the best bowler in the world, incredibly skilled, but at the end of the day, everyone needs someone to talk to, someone to take the load off. When he steps on the field, there’s a lot of pressure on him; he’s always expected to go out there and perform well, deliver those spells, win matches for us. Amazing.” Morkel said.
Making a brilliant analogy, the former South African was quick to compare Bumrah to a Ferrari – an elite machine that requires careful handling to function at its peak. Stressing the importance of communication and mental wellbeing, Morkel revealed that he is in regular contact with Bumrah to ensure the team is comfortable with their plans and in the right headspace. The message was clear: Bumrah’s world-class talent is unquestionable, but sustaining excellence requires support, trust and balance.
“So for me, knowing all the great players who have played cricket and played with, we all need someone to talk to and go through the processes. For me, I always ask Bumrah if he’s OK, if he agrees with our plans. So it’s getting him into a good mental space. Because we know he’s a world-class car, and he likes the Ferra engine. And if everything works, the car will perform well.” Morkel added.
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As the series pace increases, India dominates
India’s strong position in the five-match T20I series adds further context to Morkel’s comments. The hosts are currently leading 3:0 New Zealanddemonstrates superiority in all departments. Bumrah’s influence was central to this success as his spells consistently applied pressure and disrupted partnerships at crucial moments.
With the fourth T20I starting today, India will be aiming to continue their winning streak and potentially hold on to a decisively elusive lead. Bumrah’s presence gives the team a psychological edge not only because of his wicketkeeping ability but also because of the calm assurance he brings to the bowling unit.
