Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the hero for India as they clinched their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by a narrow margin of seven runs in Barbados on Saturday. Bumrah’s exceptional bowling performance, which included two crucial wickets for 18 runs in the final, played a pivotal role in securing victory for India.
Bumrah, who finished the tournament with an impressive tally of 15 wickets, was rightfully awarded the Player of the Series accolade. Overwhelmed with emotion, he admitted, “Usually I’m the one who tries to keep my emotions in check and get the job done but today I don’t have many words, I don’t usually cry after a game but the emotions are taking over. “We were in trouble but we’re really over the moon to win from that stage. My family is here, we came close last time and we got the job done, there’s no better feeling than to get your team through in a game like this.”
Bumrah, who dismissed Reeza Hendricks and Marco Jansen in the summit clash, acknowledged the pressure of the big stage, saying, “When the big day comes, you have to do it. Throughout the tournament, I felt very clear. I always think about one ball and one over at a time, don’t think too far ahead. Emotions can take over, it was taking over but you have to keep it in check but now that the game is over, it can come out and you can scream and shout.”
South Africa, who were in a commanding position at one stage, needed 30 runs from the last five overs with six wickets in hand. However, Bumrah’s brilliance in the 16th and 18th overs, where he conceded only six runs while dismissing Jansen, turned the tide in India’s favor.
Bumrah, reflecting on his bowling strategy, said, “I saw the ball was a bit scuffed up and it would reverse a bit, thought which would be the most difficult shot for the batter and was able to execute it.” The 30-year-old’s tactical prowess and unwavering focus under pressure proved instrumental in securing India’s historic triumph.
