There is no doubt that Bumrah played a stellar role in the T20 World Cup win. He bowled 2 of the last 5 overs and gave away just 4 and 2 runs to go with the wicket of Marco Jansen. Incredible performance by any standard. More so, when it comes to the final of the World Cup. Bumrah’s efforts were exemplary. South Africa were intent on playing the bowler and not the ball delivered. Jansen, before he got out, stood rooted to the crease. All that he wanted to do was somehow survive Bumrah’s burst of 2 overs and the cup was theirs. Alas, it wasn’t to be. He was transfixed on Bumrah which brought uncertainty to his batting. Anyway, that was in the past. Kohli has acknowledged Bumrah’s contribution. Kohli and praise for Bumrah.
Kohli’s & Rohit’s comments
“Like everyone in the stadium [here], we also felt at one point if it is going to slip away again, but what happened in those [last] five overs was truly, truly special,” Kohli said, at the team’s felicitation at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday night. “You know what I’d like everyone to do is applaud a guy who brought us back into games again and again and again in this tournament. What he did in those last five overs, bowling two out of the last five overs, it was phenomenal. A huge round of applause for Jasprit Bumrah, please.”
Rohit said he was “relieved” to end India’s long wait for a global title. “Bringing the World Cup to this country means the world to us. This is for the people who support and watch the game, and, along with all of us, for the last 11 years, they’re the ones who’ve been wanting this trophy to come back. Finally it’s here, and I’m very happy and relieved.”
Marine Drive had a festival look
This was a great gesture on the part of Kohli. Indian team were welcomed back to the nation with a ticker tape parade at Mumbai’s Marine Drive. The whole area was packed with supporters of the Indian team. The images show a sea of humans filling a wide street. Reception was great to say the least. Players must have been overwhelmed by the support and gratitude that was on display. The BCCI and the Maharashtrian Board arranged things quite so beautifully.
The players fully deserve this. This is not an uncommon sight. Wherever you go, if any country wins the World Cup, be it in football or cricket or a sport that is popular in the country, the national team of that country is accorded a similar welcome. I do not know whether I support this because I thought that it should have been treated as one of those victories and nothing more. It would have shown a confident India that is on the throes of greatness. Having said that, I am not averse to such a welcome.
If Marine Drive was jampacked, the Wankhede witnessed similar scenes. What was heartening to see was the crowd’s support to Hardik Pandya. Just over a month ago, he was abused and ridiculed by a large section of the crowd. They didn’t like the fact that Pandya was bought from Gujarat and then later, made the captain replacing Rohit Sharma. They didn’t appreciate the fact that change is the only constant. Mumbai Indians were looking to the future when they decided to replace Rohit.
Wrapping up Kohli and praise for Bumrah
It was a nice gesture on the part of Kohli to recognise the contribution of Bumrah. It is not that none of the other players would not have noticed but it felt nice to be acknowledged for the efforts.