IPL 2020: Brett Lee praises Jasprit Bumrah, says 'has potential to fill Malinga's shoes'

Former Australian pacer Brett Lee believes that Jasprit Bumrah can fill Lasith Malinga's shoes for Mumbai Indians in upcoming edition of Indian Premier League that gets underway this Saturday. four-time champions will be without services of ir ace fast bowler Lasith Malinga who is leading wicket-taker in history of marquee tournament. Sri Lankan icon has backed out from this year's competition citing personal reasons.

Australian speedster James Pattinson has been roped in as Malinga's replacement. 

'Can fill shoes': Brett Lee

"I have been Bumrah's fan since he burst into scene some years ago. He has got a different bowling action, he pushes ball in, and can swing ball both ways. He is good with new ball, but I like him with old ball, and that's why he can fill shoes of Malinga and can bowl at death overs. He can bowl at 140kmph and zoom ball in at batsman's feet. He is bowling yorkers consistently, and re are very few bowlers like him," said Lee while speaking on Star Sports' show 'Game Plan'.

"y have to be in top four. Champions of last year, y have got a good squad. Pollard is in form and we kw what Rohit can do. y have Jasprit Bumrah, and some good spinners and some power hitters as well, so yes, y are in my top four", 2003 World Cup winner added.

IPL 2020: MI to lock horns against CSK in curtain-raiser 

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will take on arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in tournament opener on September 19 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. cricketing carnival will be played across three venues - Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. According to newly anunced IPL time table, Dubai will host 24 games, Abu Dhabi will host 21 games while Sharjah will be hosting 12 games.

53-day tournament will witness 10-afteron matches starting at 3:30 PM (IST) while evening matches will start at 7:30 PM (IST).

Meanwhile, this will also be first time that an IPL final will be played on a weekday. tournament decider will be played on vember 10 i.e. on day of Diwali. 

READ: IPL 2020: Hardik Pandya Makes A Statement Before Tournament, Puts Everyone On tice

(With ANI Inputs)