People talk about Kohli and Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah is the superstar of IPL: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh lauded his former Mumbai Indians teammate Jasprit Bumrah after his spectacular five-wicket haul against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium on April 11 in MI's convinving seven-wicket win. Bumrah's 5/21 earned him a well-deserved Player of the Match award, with his strikes including the likes of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. Bumrah managed two double-wicket overs and was on a hat-trick twice. While that was not to be, his frugal spell kept RCB in check at critical times and restricted them to a par total of 196 at the high-scoring Wankhede.  

“To see him bowl from day one and today, there's a huge difference. He's been a great learner of the game. And even while he was talking to Sanjay Manjrekar sir, he's so clear in his mind where he wants to pitch the ball. And no matter whatever is the situation of the game, you read the situation and don't bowl, which you can't really bowl. You bowl what you have practiced for. And, that's what he looks to do. He wants to learn every day, even if he got five wickets today, he'll go back and tomorrow, he'll see the videos of himself and see where he can improve," Harbhajan said while speaking to Star Sports on Cricket Live.

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"And he's so calm, composed. When it comes to pressure situation, no one does better than what he does.  People often talk about Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, because it's a batter game. But, if you talk about the superstars of the game, he's by far I think, the superstar of the IPL. His number shows his growth from day one to today. He wins games on his day, like nothing. So, how many batters have done that? If you count, like three to four batters, but if you see the bowlers, it's only Bumrah or Malinga across the format. So, unbelievable.

"So, the basic thing is he wants to learn and he wants to get better every day. And he's still very humble, very calm, and very, very hardworking, and he starts preparation at the nets, and that's what he mentioned. It’s a great lesson for all the youngsters. When you're practicing, practice like you're playing the game. Only if you practice right, then you'll be able to perform the way you want to perform," the former spinner added. 

Harbhajan Singh also spoke on Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma's approach at the top of the order. The right-left duo has showed terrific intent and went for the kill striaghtaway to put their team in a strong position, adding 101 in just 8.5 overs. Kishan eventually fell after a dominating 34-ball 69 including seven fours and five sixes, while Rohit smashed a brisk 24-ball 38 with three fours and sixes each. 

“They batted beautifully up the order. Rohit and Ishan Kishan, they were brilliant. This is the normal Ishan Kishan that you'll see on his best day. Anything comes on his way, he'll look to hit four or six. He doesn't believe in single or doubles. And Rohit was equally good. That partnership, 101 runs, sets the game in favour of Mumbai Indians, and it came in just 53 balls. Any team would love to have a batter like Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan at the top of the order. Without giving too many chances to the opposition, they're still able to play freely and score that freely. It's something very, very special and he often does it.  That’s where I think Mumbai Indians won the game 70%. Then  Surya Kumar Yadav came and even the ballers had no clue where to go to hit.”

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Former West Indies legend Brian Lara and Harbhajan's co-panellist also shared his insights on MI’s batting performance. “That's a huge win, and obviously both captains said that they would have fielded first. Because of the two of night, Mumbai Indians won the toss and they did that. You'd think 196 is a good score, but not with that batting line-up that Mumbai Indians have. They're just a punishing batting lineup. It's relentless. The opener session, Kishan, Rohit Sharma, and just everyone that comes in, there's no respect. Mumbai Indians were clinical, they destroyed RCB tonight.” 

Harbhajan also elaborated on RCB’s bowling form and how Kishan targetted them. “Bowling in the right areas as everyone was looking to ball away from him, rather than somebody could have just bring the ball back into him and could have cracked him, those are the changes you have to think there then as a bowler, you know what works for you what doesn't. This is a T20 format. So, I think  RCB didn't hold as well as they should have to. But Ishan Kishan didn't ask them to hold that. He made some beautiful shots, whatever opportunities came on his way, whether it's flick or cover and some of the shots up , for six unbelievable shots. So it's good to see him, he's coming so good for the Mumbai Indians.”

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Harbhajan was also effusive in praise for Suryakumar Yadav, who roared back to form with a 17-ball half-century before being dismissed for 52 off 19. “When Suryakumar Yadav shines, you don’t want to see anyone. When I see this guy, I think he's a better version of AB De Villiers. He's got more number of games for this franchise than anyone playing this format, so unbelievable play and if I was part of any team, he would be my first pick if he comes in the auction”