'I don't keep track of figures or goals' - Jasprit Bumrah after scalping maiden five-fer in IPL

Although Mumbai Indians suffered yet another thumping defeat on Monday (May 10), Jasprit Bumrah impressed one and all with his sensational bowling spell against Kolkata Knight Riders. On a track where other MI bowlers were taken to the cleaners, the Indian speedster spitted venom and bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In fact, his figures of 5/10 are the fifth-best in the history of the tournament.

He dismissed the likes of Nitish Rana, Andre Russell and Pat Cummins en route to his five-fer. Thanks to his efforts, the two-time champions were restricted to 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs despite a sensational start. Unfortunately for Bumrah, however, his efforts went in vain as MI suffered a batting failure and lost the contest by 52 runs. Nonetheless, the talismanic pacer was named the Player of the Match for his stellar show.

Just want to contribute to the team: Jasprit Bumrah

Following the conclusion of the game, Bumrah stated that he’s not too fussed about personal milestones as contributing to the team is his top-most priority. “Always a good feeling to contribute but the important thing is for the team to win. We had our chance to do that but couldn’t get it done. That’s the way it is. I don’t keep track of figures or goals, my aim is to stick to the process,” said Bumrah in the post-match conversation.

“Sometimes you bowl well but don’t get wickets. Can’t get desperate. Just want to contribute in whatever way I can. Well, it’s about rectifying our mistakes and doing better next season,” he added. Meanwhile, MI are the only team so far to have been officially knocked out of the playoff race, having lost nine of their 11 games.

Hence, their remaining fixtures in the competition are nothing but dead rubbers for them. Nevertheless, the five-time champions have pride to play for and they would be determined to end the tournament on a high. Bumrah certainly holds the key to MI’s success in the team’s remaining three matches.