T20 World Cup 2024: Important to use Jasprit Bumrah smartly – Rohit Sharma after win against Afghanistan

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah after their 47-run win against Afghanistan in the opening match of the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday. 

India posted a par score of 181 runs on the board after Rohit decided to bat first. Suryakumar Yadav scored a vital knock of 53 runs off 28 balls whereas Hardik Pandya added 32 runs off 24 balls. The right-handed added a crucial partnership of 60 runs to help India go past the 180-run mark.

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah was right on the money from the get-go. The gun fast bowler made use of the slower balls to bamboozle the Afghanistan batters and returned with impressive figures of 3-7 in his quota of four overs. Bumrah accounted for Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Najibullah Zadran in his fine spell.

Meanwhile, Rohit has been guile in his use of Jasprit Bumrah as he has kept his overs in a safe case. 

Rohit said in the post-match presentation, “The last two years, we have come here and played some T20 games. We planned a little well. We adapted well to the conditions that were offered. We knew the class of our bowling lineup will defend this. Everyone is coming in and doing their job. That is something we keep talking about. Surya and Hardik’s partnership was a good one in the end.”

Rohit added, “We know what Bumrah can do for us. It is important for us to use him smartly. He is the one who is ready to take the responsibility as well. Wherever he plays, he is always ready to take responsibility. I got to assess the conditions. Looking at the opposition we are ready to make any changes. We thought three spinners would be good, we went for that. Going forward if needed, I am open to playing three seamers.”

India will next take on Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on Saturday.