India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has revealed that Virat Kohli gives a lot of motivation to all his bowlers after taking a five wicket haul on second day of the Cape Town Test. Bumrah also added that Kohli is always there to back the bowlers and brings in a lot of energy to the proceedings.
The series decider of the Test series between India and South Africa is being played in Cape Town. The contest is in balance as of now and both teams have an equal chance to win. India scored 223 runs in the first innings courtesy of a knock of 79 runs by Virat Kohli. They restricted the opposition on 210 and Jasprit Bumrah played a key role.
Bumrah picked five wickets for 42 runs picking 7th five wicket haul in Test cricket. He made his Test debut in 2018 at the same venue and has now played a key role picking five wickets for the team. Virat Kohli was seen motivating the bowlers time and again. Reflecting on playing under the captaincy of Kohli, Bumrah said that he always gives a lot of motivation to bowlers and brings a lot of energy on field.
“I made my Test debut under him. It’s always wonderful that he is there to back us. He always gives lot of motivation to all the bowlers. He brings a lot of energy to the side. It’s always good to play under him,” Bumrah said to the the press after end of day’s play.
“A bowlers development also depends on how the bowler works hard as well.”
Bumrah said that it has been a memorable journey for him in Test cricket so far and the five wicket haul is memorable. However, he also pointed out that the team winning the fixture is important.
“It’s special that I started my journey over here and came back here and played a Test match and picked up a 5-wicket haul. Personal performances are good, but when you make an impact and the team wins, that gives you more satisfaction,” he stated.
South Africa chased down a record setting 240-run target to win in the Johannesburg Test. Bumrah had bowled 17 overs in the final innings of the fixture and conceded more than 4 runs per over without taking a single wicket. However, he has bounced back in Cape Town picking five wickets in the first innings and providing wickets of key batsmen.
Reflecting on his five wicket haul, Bumrah stated that he was focusing on what he needs to do and stick to his plan.
“Nothing extra special. Out of the ordinary. I was just focussing on what I had to do. I was just focussing on my processes. Nothing out of the ordinary. I was not giving any extra attention. I was not really too angry. I was just focussing on what I had to, be in the present and tried to focus on what I had to do,” he concluded.
India were poised at 57/2 in the first innings and have a lead of 70 runs at the end of second day’s play.
