During the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jasprit Bumrah's bowling was closely analyzed after India scored only 125 runs. Despite taking two wickets and conceding just 26 runs in four overs, his length was found wanting by former India batter Robin Uthappa.
“When we were bowling after scoring 125, the start was very important. If we had picked up two or three wickets in the first three or four overs, the game could have been closer because we have quality spinners in the middle overs. I felt we were probably trying too hard to pick up wickets. So we got a little wayward.”
“I have observed that whenever Bumrah gets desperate to pick up wickets, he becomes slightly wayward, and when he is disciplined and hits a good line and length, he mostly picks up wickets. Australia took full advantage of that waywardness at the start, the way we started with the ball in the second innings.”
India struggled with the bat, managing only 125 runs, with notable performances being Abhishek Sharma’s half-century and a brief strike from Harshit Rana. The team couldn’t capitalize on their spin options due to early wickets not falling.
Former World Cup winner Uthappa highlighted that Bumrah's tendency to become erratic under pressure cost India an early advantage in the chase, affecting the overall balance of the bowling attack.
Author's summary: Jasprit Bumrah's occasional loss of control when trying too hard to take wickets was a key factor in Australia's strong start, underscoring India's broader struggles in the match.