IPL 2024: Former India Cricketer Slams Hardik Pandya for Underutilising Jasprit Bumrah

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs showcased formidable batting prowess, leading the Delhi Capitals to a 10-run triumph over the Mumbai Indians in a high-scoring match of the Indian Premier League at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday.

Fraser-McGurk blazed his way to 84 runs off just 27 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and six sixes, while Stubbs contributed an unbeaten 48 runs from 25 balls later in the innings, propelling Delhi Capitals to an imposing total of 257-4 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, Tilak Varma spearheaded Mumbai’s chase with a brisk 63 off 32 balls, but Mumbai fell short, concluding their innings at 247-9 in 20 overs.

The victory elevated Delhi Capitals to fifth place with 10 points, narrowly missing out on the top four based on net run rate. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians languish in ninth place after suffering their sixth loss in nine games.

Following Mumbai Indians’ defeat, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan criticized Hardik Pandya for underutilising the team’s premier bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, particularly against the in-form Fraser-McGurk.

“Cricket is a game of fine margins, and the victory for DC against MI was decided by a narrow margin. Bumrah should have been deployed against Fraser-McGurk from the outset, as he had not faced Bumrah previously. This tactical decision could have altered the outcome,” Irfan commented on his social media platform.

Bumrah bowled four overs, conceded 35 runs, and secured one wicket.