'Complete' bowler Bumrah will be best pacer of T20 World Cup, says Vernon Philander

Former South Africa international Vernon Philander hailed Jasprit Bumrah after his recent success in the first two Test matches against England. Bumrah has picked up 15 wickets in two matches and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the five-match series. He is also the number-one ranked Test bowler in the world. Lauding him for his achievements, Philander stated that the Indian pacer is currently the most "complete bowler" in the world.

The 38-year-old added that Bumrah used to leak a lot of runs by bowling wicket-taking deliveries in the past. However, Philander mentioned that the Ahmedabad-born pacer has improved in recent times, and has learned to be more consistent with his line and lengths, which has given him success in Test cricket.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah first India pacer to top ICC Test Rankings

“Bumrah is the (most) complete bowler at the moment. He has got magnificent skills and he has also learnt the trade of holding a line and length and that is the reason behind his success at the Test level,” Philander was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. “Initially, he wanted to bowl wicket-taking deliveries all the time and leaked runs but now he has learnt consistency."

Philander also believes that Bumrah has the traits to become the best seamer in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin on June 1. He noted that the pacer can swing the new ball and has a lethal yorker in his arsenal, which can challenge the batters in the powerplay and also in the death overs.

Also read: The yorker is probably the first delivery I had learned: Jasprit Bumrah

“He swings the new ball, brings the stumps into the play and challenges the batters upfront. He is phenomenal with those change-ups and lethal yorkers and that is the skill set you want in the T20 World Cup. I feel he is going to play a massive part in the tournament and perhaps also be the best seamer,” Philander mentioned. 

Meanwhile, as per reports, Bumrah might be rested from the third Test against England to manage his workload. However, the team management can decide against it once they reunite again in Rajkot.

Also read: IND vs ENG 2024: Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for Rajkot Test