If Bumrah were around, things would have been different for Mumbai Indians: Zaheer Khan

In the 2022 mega auction, when Mumbai went all guns blazing for an injured Jofra Archer, it raised many eyebrows. But the lip-smacking prospects of partnering Archer with Jasprit Bumrah were too good. However, cricket fans are yet to witness the duo bowl together, as Bumrah went down with a back injury that has made him sit out for the last eight months. 

Mumbai Indians’ Global Head of cricket development, Zaheer Khan, believes that the absence of Bumrah made things difficult for Mumbai Indians on the bowling front, and it would have been a different story if the pacer were available. 

"MI are missing Bumrah badly. There is no doubt about that. Bumrah is a match-winner. I am being very vocal about the fact that there is inexperience in the Mumbai Indians bowling lineup. Piyush Chawla has done exceptionally well. He has carried the responsibility of being a senior bowler really well. But the weakness in MI's bowling was always there."

"If Bumrah were around, things would have been different for Mumbai Indians," Zaheer said in an interaction with journalists organized by Jio Cinema.

This year, Piyush Chawla has been the most impressive bowler for Mumbai Indians, having taken 20 wickets in 13 matches. Zaheer applauded the veteran leg-spinner and the utility and experience that he brings to the table.

"Piyush has the experience, and that was MI's requirement. It was a planned move to bring Piyush into the side. We have seen over the years, in the IPL, the value of experience. Bringing (in) someone who has been there, done that, someone who can handle pressure well."

"From the spin department's point of view, there are a lot of young spinners in the MI setup. Piyush was a very straightforward call that way. With his experience, he can mentor other guys as well. He has been terrific this season," Zaheer signed off.