Jasprit Bumrah has rejoined the Mumbai Indians camp ahead of their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Wankhede Stadium. The five-time champions confirmed his arrival the day before the game, stating that Bumrah had passed a fitness test with the NCA. MI have struggled this season without him, winning just one match.
Bumrah, regarded as one of the best all-format bowlers, is available for selection, as confirmed by MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene. He joined the camp on Saturday night and trained on Sunday, showing his commitment. After missing the action since the fifth Test against Australia, Bumrah is eager to return to competitive cricket.
RCB’s Tim David, who played with Bumrah at MI last season, spoke about the pacer’s return ahead of the big match.
David knows the threat Bumrah poses and has challenged RCB openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt to take him on in the first over, aiming to put pressure on the MI bowler.
“Bumrah is widely regarded as the top bowler right now, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge we’re eager to face at RCB, If we want to make a deep run in this tournament, we have to take down the best teams and players. So, ideally, Bumrah bowls the first over, and the first ball goes for a four or six from whoever opens the batting for us that’d be a great statement. It’ll be fantastic to have him back in the tournament because the game is certainly better with him,” David mentioned during the pre-match press conference.
As for David, he is prepared to face the best in the business but admitted that he will need to be cautious, especially when it comes to avoiding Bumrah’s deadly yorkers.
“I’ll just make sure to keep my toes out as his yorker is pretty deadly. He’s an outstanding bowler, and there’s no better feeling than delivering big performances against the best players and teams. It’s those moments that make you feel truly accomplished as a player. So, facing the best is something I’m really looking forward to,” he added.