Virender Sehwag revives memory of Bumrah-De Kock IPL bonhomie

As millions of Indian fans and the cricketing world had predicted, India speedster Jasprit Bumrah started his journey in the cricket World Cup with a bang. In a spell that pegged the South Africans back in the league match at Ageas Bowl in Southampton, the skiddy pacer picked both the Proteas openers cheaply to leave South Africa at 24 for 2. The exits of both Hashim Amla (6) and wicket-keeper-batsman Quinton de Kock (10) were body blow for a South African batting line-up that has been under pressure.

Bumrah’s dismissal of De Kock came under particular attention. Although it was not the best of the deliveries from the pacer and one that was going wide off the target and was edged by the SA batsman only to be caught at third slip by captain Virat Kohli. Former India opener Virender Sehwag came up with a relevant analogy following this dismissal of De Kock.

Bumrah’s gesture had won hearts at IPL final

Both Bumrah and de Kock play for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League and this year, the MI were engaged in a see-saw battle with Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final. It was in the final ball of the penultimate over bowled by Bumrah that keeper Kock had conceded four bye runs and the wicket-keeper looked distraught. Bumrah, instead of losing patience, went to the wicket-keeper and comforted him. The Indian bowler won hearts from all over and was praised for his cool gesture in a high-pressure game.

Sehwag made that memory alive after Bumrah dismissed De Kock in the clash between countries. He said in a tweet accompanying the picture of the two at the IPL final that unlike what was the case 23 days ago, there was “mercy” shown on Bumrah’s side at Ageas Bowl on Wednesday. He then lauded the Indian speedster for his impressive opening spell.

South Africa have lost both the games they have played so far – against hosts England and a spirited Bangladesh – and will require to win against India if they are to remain in the race for the semi-finals. Faf du Plessis’ side has been hit by injuries with their premier pacer Dale Steyn getting ruled out of the World Cup with a shoulder injury.