Faf Du Plessis has stated that Mumbai Indians need to review their bowling plans and look beyond Bumrah’s overs during high-scoring games. He stated that in such games, the team and the team management need to discuss the bowling plans, especially during the power play, which is often the deciding factor.
Du Plessis stated that the team management needs to utilise the pacer during key periods, but it can be a big test while playing against teams that possess strong batting line-ups. The 41-year-old stated that over-reliance on Bumrah can prove to be costly, as during high-scoring games, other bowlers of Mumbai Indians have struggled to contain the runs.
Mumbai Indians faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, the 12th of April at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. RCB scored 240/5 in 20 overs while MI scored 222/5 in 20 overs, thus losing by 18 runs. With this loss, Mumbai Indians have now suffered three back-to-back losses.
While talking to Star Sports, the former South African captain stated that though Bumrah’s four overs are economical, the other bowlers are giving away too many runs. He stated that the Mumbai Indians need to find answers.
Du Plessis stated that the team management needs to consider using Bumrah during critical periods, or maybe think of other options. Du Plessis further added that the MI team management needs to implement their bowling plans proactively, especially during power play.
Bumrah has gone wicketless in the ongoing season in four matches in the 19th edition, while his economy rate is 8.20 so far. MI bowlers haven’t found their rhythm except Bumrah in the ongoing season. In their first game of the 19th edition, they chased 221 against KKR on Sunday, the 29th of March.
In the next game against the Delhi Capitals on the 4th of April, DC beat MI while chasing 163. In the game against RR that was played on the 7th of April, MI lost by 30 runs in a match that was an 11-over affair due to rain. MI will play their next match against the Punjab Kings on the 16th of April at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Altogether, Du Plessis thinks the team management shouldn’t be overly dependent on Bumrah and should also look for other alternatives.
