‘The game isn’t over until Bumrah’s done bowling’ – AB de Villiers on MI’s thriller against GT

AB de Villiers was effusive in his praise for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Jasprit Bumrah after the five-time champions progressed to Qualifier 2 by beating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Eliminator on Friday, May 30, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

MI amassed 228/5 after opting to bat first. Rohit Sharma rode his luck and scored an enthralling 81 off 50 balls, belting nine fours and four sixes. Jonny Bairstow, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya also made important contributions. In reply, Gujarat were restricted to 208/6 in their 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah bowled a fantastic spell, picking up the wicket of an in-form Washington Sundar, and conceding just 27 runs in his four overs.

AB de Villiers pointed out that the turning point of the game was Sai Sudharsan's dismissal in the 16th over. The southpaw was threatening to take the game away from MI, but Richard Gleeson dismissed him for a score of 80 off 49 balls. The former South Africa captain also mentioned that Gujarat gave MI a run for their money despite dropping several catches. Kusal Mendis also looked good during his brief stay at the crease but was dismissed hit wicket.

"The players known for stepping up in knockouts faced their fears and delivered. No one gave GT a chance at the halfway mark, but MI held their nerve – especially Jasprit Bumrah, who just keeps delivering in the big moments. A key turning point was Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal. He’d nailed that shot all season, but it didn’t come off when it mattered most. Everything seemed to go wrong for GT – dropped catches, hit wickets, chaotic moments – yet they still made it a contest," de Villiers said while speaking exclusively on Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar

de Villiers also applauded MI skipper Hardik for holding Bumrah's last two overs for the death, as Sudharsan was batting brilliantly.

"Credit to Hardik for holding Bumrah back until the right time. Sai had been playing him well, so delaying his return was a smart move. Before Bumrah came back for his final two overs, I told my son, 'This game isn’t over until he’s done bowling.' Once again, he showed why he’s one of the best," de Villiers added.