Team India’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has reached number three rankings in the Test matches following his brilliant performance in the recently concluded West Indies series. Bumrah finished as the highest wicket taker in Windies series with 13 wickets in 2 tests which includes a match turning hat trick. His bowling has been praised by everyone, but South African star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada believes that the media has created much hype about him. As soon as the South African team reached India for the upcoming T20 series, Rabada spoke to the media and gave a statement against Bumrah.
The pacer was asked questions on Bumrah and Joffra Archer, on which, he said that he respect these bowlers and both are good bowlers, although he maintained that media exaggerates some players.
“I admire those bowlers, they are good bowlers. However the media hypes certain players, and that’s Ok, I know I have been playing very well. Archer is such a natural talent, Bumrah is doing wonders and that can force you to lift your game. You are not always at the top, that’s one thing I can tell you,” Rabada was quoted as saying by iol.co.za.
Rabada’s performance has not been very special in the recent past, but still he has taken 176 Test wickets at a tremendous average of 21.77. He has also taken 117 wickets in ODIs at an average of 27.34. However this year Rabada’s average and strike rate are below Archer and Bumrah. Bumrah has 14 wickets at just 13.14 and Archer has taken 13 wickets at an average of 21. On the other hand, Rabada averaged 23.57 and took 19 wickets.
The South African team arrived in India on Saturday to play a three match T20 series and start their preparation for upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled in Australia next year. The first match of the series will be played at Dharamshala on 15th September, followed by games in Mohali on 18th September and Bengaluru on 22nd September.
