Former South African captain AB de Villiers believes India’s gun-fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah deserved a mention for the Player of the tournament award. Indian opener Sanju Samson pipped Bumrah for the MVP award as he delivered in three knockout matches.
Meanwhile, Bumrah returned with impressive figures of 4-15 in his quota of four overs and was awarded Player of the Match after India registered a comprehensive 96-run win over the Kiwis in the final.
The gun fast bowler took 14 wickets in the tournament at an average of 12.43 and a splendid economy rate of 6.21, which was the best for any bowler.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson came up with consistent performances. The right-hander was awarded Player of the tournament after he scored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38.
AB de Villiers said on his YouTube Channel, “It was a really close call between Sanju Samson and Bumrah. Bumrah was the top wicket-taker, and so he was pushing for the Player of the Tournament. But to me, there were pivotal moments and overs that he bowled that I felt like maybe he deserved more of a mention. It should have been closer.”
Meanwhile, AB highlighted that Bumrah delivered insane overs in the semifinal and final clash against England and New Zealand, respectively. Bumrah conceded only six runs in the 18th over against England to turn the game in India’s favor.
“It’s not easy to bowl as a fast bowler in India unless you are a Jasprit Bumrah. Even him, he was expensive in a couple of his overs during the tournament. But when it mattered most in the semifinal and final, he bowled insane overs. I’ve never seen anything like it. He is hittable, but when it matters, there is a different gear this guy hits, and he goes to a different planet. An incredible performer and an asset to cricket in India,” said De Villiers (via the aforementioned source).
AB praised Bumrah for his humble personality on and off-the-field.
AB concluded, “He’s not all about bravado. He doesn’t swear at people. He has got a presence, but he looks like a down-to-earth good guy. He doesn’t look for the limelight. He just rocks up and gets the business done when it matters most. A legend of all-time, and he is definitely in the top three bowlers I’ve faced in my life.”
Bumrah will next play for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.
