Jasprit Bumrah's like an antidote, a vaccine that can cure any illness for a bowling side: Varun Aaron

Varun Aaron was effusive in his praise for Jasprit Bumrah after the legendary pacer's heroics played a key role in Mumbai Indians (MI) defending a 229-run target against Gujarat Titans on a belter of a track in Mullanpur on Friday, May 30.

Bumrah not only bowled economically but also dismissed Washington Sundar, who was looking in ominous form. The Gujarat seamer finished with magnificent figures of 1/27 in his four overs in a game where 436 runs were scored.

Aaron described Bumrah as a "vaccine" for a bowling side, which can help them avert any illness. The former India pacer said that Bumrah can stop runs and also pick up wickets when needed.

“He's like an antidote, a vaccine that can cure any illness, which a bowling side can have. If you want wickets, he comes and gets you wickets. If you want to stop runs, he stops runs for you. Man, what a bowler,” Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo.

Aaron was also impressed by Bumrah's calmness as he held his nerves when the Gujarat batters were going bonkers and picked up an important wicket to bring his team back in the contest.

“And the belief he has in his ability. You have an international coach, Mahela Jayawardene, who is obviously panicking because his bowlers have suddenly started to go to the cleaners, and he just turns around and is like 'just calm down, I'll do the job for you'. Comes in, runs in, gets hit for a six and then gets that ball,” said Aaron.

Mumbai won the match by 20 runs to make it to Qualifier 2. The five-time champions will face Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, June 1. Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur by eight wickets. The winner of Qualifier 2 will face RCB in the final in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3.