NEW DELHI: Veteran India batter Robin Uthappa has provided a candid assessment of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s unusual struggle, suggesting that the bowler tends to lose his rhythm when he becomes overly keen to take wickets. This observation comes after India’s four-wicket defeat to Australia in the second T20I held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Jasprit Bumrah of India looks on as Travis Head of Australia runs for a single. (Getty Images)
Speaking on Star Sports following the match, Uthappa highlighted that India’s desire to force early breakthroughs ultimately backfired in the initial overs of their bowling innings.
“When we were bowling after scoring 125, the start was very important. If we had picked up two or three wickets in the first three or four overs, the game could have been closer because we have quality spinners in the middle overs,” Uthappa explained. “I felt we were probably trying too hard to pick up wickets. So we got a little wayward.”
Tasked with defending a modest total of 125, India desperately needed early wickets from Bumrah. However, Australian openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head launched a brilliant counterattack. Their formidable 51-run opening partnership set a dominant tone, enabling Australia to complete the chase convincingly in just 13.2 overs. While Varun Chakaravarthy managed to dismiss Head and secure another wicket later, emerging as India’s most effective bowler, the early damage had already been inflicted.
Uthappa further elaborated on Bumrah’s performance, identifying a recurring pattern. “I have observed that whenever Bumrah gets desperate to pick up wickets, he becomes slightly wayward. When he is disciplined and hits a good line and length, he mostly picks up wickets,” he stated. “Australia took full advantage of that waywardness at the start.”
Despite Bumrah claiming two wickets in his final over, the game was already out of reach. India’s lack of precision and discipline during the powerplay allowed Australia to seize control early, leaving the Indian bowlers in a perpetual state of chasing the game.