Team India’s wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul recently said that ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is the toughest bowler to hit in international and franchise cricket. The opening batsman joked that he would “break his head or leg” during a net session if the right-arm fast bowler claimed to have a good record against him.
Rahul has a good record against Bumrah in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The batsman has faced 118 balls from Bumrah and managed to score a total of 146 runs at a strike rate of 123.7. Notably, Bumrah has dismissed the experienced batsman only twice in the IPL at an average of 73.0 in the T20 tournament.
He will break my head or break my toe – KL Rahul or Jasprit Bumrah
While talking to Jatin Sapru, KL Rahul was asked about his good record against Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL. Rahul said he would not make such a claim as Bumrah would “break his head or his toe” during practice.
The right-handed batsman said that it is extremely difficult to hit shots against Bumrah in the nets and the intensity of the bowler makes it even more difficult.
Rahul said, “I will not agree because he will break my head in the nets next. In the IPL, he will break my head in the next season or break my toe, so I am not saying anything about that. Very, very, very angry. But first of all, it is not easy to hit him in the nets.”
He is the toughest bowler to hit – KL Rahul on Jasprit Bumrah
KL Rahul described Jasprit Bumrah as the toughest bowler to attack. Rahul admitted that Indian players are able to deal with him only because they face him every day and get used to his action. He said that it becomes incredibly difficult for visiting teams to try to score runs from him.
“Definitely he is the toughest bowler to hit. Now, I think, at least we play him day in and day out. So, he will get used to the action at least a little bit,” Rahul said.
He added, “But if we are just facing him as an opponent from a different country, there is no chance. Very difficult. Very, very difficult. First of all, picking him up and defending against him. Then it becomes more difficult to even think about scoring against him.”
India lost the opening Test by 30 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
South Africa made a comeback after being bowled out for just 159 runs on the first day. They defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens. India collapsed for 93 runs in difficult batting conditions on the third day.
Simon Harmer took 4 wickets for 21 runs and destroyed India’s innings. India also struggled without Shubman Gill, who was ruled out with a neck injury. Earlier, Temba Bavuma took charge of South Africa with an unbeaten 55 and his 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch put India under pressure.
Harmer took eight wickets in the match and was named player of the match. The series will now move to Assam, where the second and final Test will begin on November 22.
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