Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has extended high praise to his compatriot Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional performance, which played a crucial role in securing India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Describing Bumrah’s efforts as “phenomenal,” Kohli acknowledged the bowler’s remarkable contribution during a particularly tense finale where India emerged victorious in a cliffhanger against South Africa.
In the distance, the crowd roared in approval as India managed to clinch the T20 title from a seemingly impossible situation. The stakes were high, with South Africa needing just 30 runs from the final 30 balls, boasting six wickets in hand. A daunting task was placed onto the shoulders of Bumrah, who was entrusted with bowling two of those critical overs. The speedster’s composure and skill shone through as he gave away only six runs and claimed a pivotal wicket, turning the tide significantly in favor of India.
Speaking at the Indian team’s felicitation ceremony held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on the subsequent Thursday, Kohli did not hesitate when asked if he would sign a petition to declare Bumrah the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ and a ‘national treasure.’
“I’ll sign the petition for Jasprit Bumrah. He is a once-in-a-generation bowler,” Kohli responded emphatically, a statement that elicited applause from both teammates and fans alike. The felicitation, organized to celebrate the victorious Indian squad, saw notable personalities in attendance and a crowd that exemplified the spirit of the nation’s cricketing fervor.
Kohli eloquently summed up the sentiments that encapsulated those nerve-wracking final moments of the game. “Like everyone in the stadium, we also felt at one point if it is going to slip away again, but what happened in those [last] five overs was truly, truly special,” he reflected. The mention of Bumrah’s performance brought forth the image of a player who has repeatedly proven his mettle in the pressure cooker scenarios of international cricket.
Kohli continued to laud Bumrah’s sustained excellence throughout the tournament. “You know what I’d like everyone to do is applaud a guy who brought us back into games again and again and again in this tournament.
. What he did in those last five overs, bowling two out of the last five overs, it was phenomenal. A huge round of applause for Jasprit Bumrah, please,” he urged, his voice resonating with genuine admiration and gratitude.
The felicitation ceremony was not just a moment of pride but also an occasion to acknowledge the unwavering support from the fans. Kohli took a moment to express his heartfelt thanks to the multitude of supporters who had turned up in droves for both the victory parade and the grand ceremony. “A big thank you to all the people who turned up in the stadium. What we saw on the streets tonight is something I’m never going to forget in my life,” Kohli declared, the emotion palpable in his voice.
He went on to describe the roller-coaster ride that had characterized the days immediately following their World Cup win. “The last four days have been a roller-coaster of a ride. As soon as we won the World Cup, we wanted to get out of Barbados, get back to India and celebrate with everyone. We got stuck in the hurricane, so it was an anti-climactic feeling. But since we’ve been back, it’s been phenomenal,” he shared, giving an insight into the emotional highs and lows experienced by the team.
For India’s cricketing fraternity, the conquest of the T20 World Cup 2024 will remain etched in memory, not just for the victory itself but for the indomitable spirit showcased by players like Bumrah. His two overs, which may have comprised just 12 balls, encapsulated the grit, skill, and nerves of steel that define cricket at its highest echelons.
As celebrations continue and accolades pour in, Kohli’s endorsement of Bumrah as a ‘national treasure’ captures the essence of what the bowler signifies for Indian cricket—a beacon of excellence and a harbinger of hope in the crucible of competition.
