Virat Kohli expressed his readiness to sign a petition declaring fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a ‘national treasure’ and the ‘8th Wonder of the World.’ Notably, Bumrah’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 will be remembered as one of the greatest individual campaigns in the tournament’s history.
Bumrah claimed 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and finished with an astonishing economy rate of just 4.17, the best among those who bowled a minimum of 20 overs in the tournament. Gaurav Kapoor, during the celebrations at the Wankhede Stadium, questioned, “I am thinking of signing a petition to declare Jasprit Bumrah as a national treasure. Will you sign it?” Without hesitation, Kohli responded, “I will sign it right now.”
Kohli further elaborated on his admiration for Bumrah, saying, “I like to name a guy who brought us back in this T20 World Cup again, again and again in every difficult situation; this is Jasprit Bumrah. Jasprit Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation bowler. We are lucky that he plays for us.”
Bumrah’s performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award, joining his teammate Virat Kohli, a two-time winner, in this prestigious recognition. In the final against South Africa in Bridgetown, Bumrah’s brilliance was on full display. After his teammates posted a total of 176/7, Bumrah took to the field in the second over of India’s bowling effort. He saved his best for last, delivering a dream dismissal of Reeza Hendricks with his third delivery. Despite his bowling action suggesting an inswinger to the right-hander, Bumrah managed to swing the ball away at pace, squaring up Hendricks and hitting the top of off-stump.
With South Africa needing 21 runs from the final 15 balls, Bumrah once again delivered under pressure. He nipped one back between Marco Jansen’s bat and pad, leaving the Proteas six down and ultimately too far behind in the contest. Bumrah finished with remarkable figures of 2/18 from his four overs, helping India secure a thrilling seven-run victory. Bumrah’s extraordinary performance not only led India to victory but also etched his name in the annals of cricketing history.
