Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Jan 27: As teams around the world gear up for the T20 World Cup, one question continues to defy answers — how do you plan against Jasprit Bumrah? India’s pace spearhead once again underlined why he remains the most complete bowler in modern T20 cricket with a match-winning spell against New Zealand in the third T20I here on Monday.

New Zealand opener Tim Seifert, known for his explosive stroke play and a T20 strike rate of over 142, was undone by a single delivery from Bumrah. Bowling at 137 kmph, Bumrah pitched the ball on a good length just outside off stump. What followed was a deadly combination of late swing and subtle seam movement that sent Seifert’s off stump cartwheeling, leaving the batter with no response.

Though the delivery appeared ordinary at first glance, replays revealed its brilliance. Seifert was completely deceived, joining a growing list of top batters — including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — who have fallen victim to Bumrah’s precision. The dismissal drew comparisons with legendary spells from Wasim Akram, though Bumrah is producing such magic in the unforgiving T20 format.

India’s bowling unit has been as impressive as its batting throughout the series. Despite dew and flat surfaces, the hosts defended totals at Nagpur, restricted New Zealand to 208/6 at Raipur, and delivered another disciplined performance in Guwahati. After early breakthroughs from Harshit Rana, Bumrah sealed the innings with figures of 3 for 17 from four overs.

Bumrah’s greatest strength lies in his unmatched versatility. He can operate with the new ball, strike during the latter half of the powerplay, control the middle overs, and dominate at the death. His ability to adapt makes him a nightmare for opposition teams built around match-ups.

“I’m happy as long as I can contribute,” Bumrah said after receiving the Man of the Match award. “Whether it’s with the new ball or at the end, I’m flexible. The team needs flexibility, and I’m ready for that.”

With Arshdeep Singh exploiting early movement, Hardik Pandya providing balance, Harshit Rana offering pace support, and spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav controlling the middle overs, captain Suryakumar Yadav has the luxury of deploying Bumrah whenever the situation demands.

Bumrah’s unique action, combined with his ability to generate skid off the surface, makes even his good-length deliveries lethal. Slight swing or seam movement turns seemingly harmless balls into wicket-taking threats. New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson learned that lesson later in the innings when he lost his leg stump attempting to play off the back foot.

Alongside his trademark yorker, Bumrah’s hard length and deceptive slower deliveries ensure batters are never comfortable. In a format dominated by power-hitters, he continues to dictate terms through control, intelligence and execution.

As India head towards the T20 World Cup with a squad full of match-winners, Bumrah stands out as the ultimate trump card — a bowler capable of swinging momentum at any stage and redefining what is possible in T20 cricket.