Jasprit Bumrah is bowling yorkers consistently and there are very less bowlers like that: Brett Lee

The much-awaited IPL 2020 is only a day away from its commencement. After many delays, the T20 extravaganza is finally set to hit the floors in the UAE on September 19th, with the season-opener scheduled between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Considering the past record of both the heavyweights, it’s anticipated to turn out to be a nail-biting thriller. However, Rohit Sharma-led MI will be without their bowling backbone– Lasith Malinga. The Sri Lanka veteran decided to pull out of the tournament as he wanted to be with his family back home.

Amid Malinga’s truancy, former Australia pacer Brett Lee feels Jasprit Bumrah can fill the shoes of the Sri Lanka veteran. Bumrah, known for his unorthodox bowling action and toe-crushing yorkers, has been backed by Lee to lead the MI bowling force this season. According to Lee, Bumrah is good with both old and the new ball and thus can ball at the death overs.

I like Jasprit Bumrah with the old ball: Brett Lee

“I am always Bumrah’s fan since he burst into the scenes some years ago. He has got a different bowling action, he pushes the ball in, and can swing the ball both ways. He is good with the new ball but I like him with the old ball and that’s why he can fill the shoes of Malinga and can bowl at death overs.

He can bowl at 140kmph and zoom the ball in at the batsman’s feet. He is bowling the Yorkers consistently and there are very fewer bowlers like that, so he can fill those shoes,” Lee said on Star Sports’ Game Plan.

Over the years, the prolific pacer has established his place in the MI squad along with cementing his position in the national squad. Since joining the Mumbai Paltan in 2013, the speedster has scalped 82 wickets in 77 IPL matches. Apart from Bumrah, Lee also heaped praise on skipper Rohit and West Indies stalwart Kieron Pollard. The former Australian quick also claimed that MI can pave their way into the Top-4 with their robust squad.

“They have to be. Champions of last year, they have got a good squad. Pollard is in form and we know what Rohit can do. They have Jasprit Bumrah, and some good spinners and some power hitters as well, so yes, they are in my top four,” Lee further said.