Former Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq has heaped praise on India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a crucial asset in India's bowling arsenal during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. 

Speaking on a local sports channel, Misbah highlighted the evolution of India's cricket strategy, which has historically centered around a formidable batting lineup, now complemented by a world-class bowling attack.

“If we look at the Cricket World Cup 2023, India had quality bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah is an outstanding bowler in any condition whether it is white-ball or red-ball cricket he plays. He swings the new ball and his defensive bowling skills — yorker or slower ones — and the most important thing he has is his control. He is an amazing reader of the game,” Misbah said.

“He gives India an edge and when you have an X-factor like him in your bowling, it adds to the pressure on the other team and it adds an element of confidence in your team. Previously, India’s opponents would win the toss and call India to bat first and the panic would be visible on them that we are now out of a position of strength but now India is a team who believes that we can now defend a small total and they did that against Pakistan. They are now a complete bowling attack," he further added.

India's enhanced bowling capabilities were on full display in their T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, where they successfully defended a target of 120 runs. Bumrah's remarkable performance saw him taking three crucial wickets for just 13 runs, including the dismissals of key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. His third scalp was Iftikhar Ahmed, further underlining his impact.

India's bowlers managed to restrict Pakistan to seven runs short of the target, showcasing their ability to defend low scores and signaling a shift towards a more balanced team composition.