'Coach's dream to work with': Mahela Jayawardene hails Jasprit Bumrah
What's the story
Mahela Jayawardene, the legendary Sri Lankan player and Mumbai Indians head coach, has hailed Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, terming him a "coach's dream to work with." Speaking to Wisden Cricket Monthly, Jayawardene spoke about Bumrah's "low maintenance" nature and how he is always up for taking difficult roles. He also spoke about how the bowler guides others according to their needs and not his own experiences.
Player profile
Bumrah's impact on team and personal life
Further elaborating on Bumrah's approach to the game, Jayawardene said that every delivery he bowls is meant to have a huge impact. He praised Bumrah's mind and flawless execution, which keeps batsmen guessing about the next ball. Off the field, Jayawardene described Bumrah as a family man who loves his privacy and enjoys spending time away from the limelight.
2024 highlights
Bumrah's remarkable 2024 performance
Bumrah had a phenomenal 2024, earning rave reviews for his performances. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the ICC T20 World Cup with 15 incredible wickets. Bumrah was the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 71 wickets, including five five-wicket hauls. His best figures were an impressive 6/45. Despite India's series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah shone with 32 wickets in five matches. He broke several records in the series.
IPL 2024
How Bumrah fared in IPL 2024
Bumrah was the star of Mumbai Indians' lackluster 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. While the five-time champions finished 10th, Bumrah took 20 wickets to power their bowling. Bumrah, arguably the best seamer in the cash-rich league, also claimed the Purple Cap on many occasions. He also equaled legend Lasith Malinga's record of taking 20-plus wickets in most IPL seasons.
Award
ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year
Last month, Bumrah was named the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year for 2024. The award puts him in an elite list of Indian cricketers who have won the honor in the past. The list features cricketing legends like Rahul Dravid (2004), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016), and Virat Kohli (2017 and 2018). Notably, Bumrah has also been crowned the Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024.