'He should be your number one pick': Anil Kumble has selection important advice for Rohit Sharma

Legendary cricketer Anil Kumble has offered crucial selection advice to Rohit Sharma, emphasizing that Jasprit Bumrah should be the first name on India's team sheet, regardless of the format or conditions. Bumrah's remarkable ability to adapt and his unique skill set make him indispensable, especially as India aims to clinch the T20 World Cup.

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Jasprit Bumrah showcased his match-winning prowess with a stellar performance (3/14) in India's thrilling six-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. Playing on a challenging two-paced track at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Bumrah and Hardik Pandya (2/24) spearheaded India's defense of a modest 119, restricting Pakistan to 113 for seven in 20 overs.

"We saw that with that 15th over where he got that wicket (of Mohammad Rizwan), and then the 19th over, when you knew that in that over if he had given a couple of boundaries, then last over 10 runs, 12 runs, possible," Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo.

"But once it gets to that 18 runs, 19 runs, on a surface like this, (it's) impossible for the tail-enders to come and get those runs. So Jasprit Bumrah, if India go on to win this tournament, he would have to play a major role," Kumble said.

If India were to win the World Cup, Jasprit Bumrah is a must: Anil Kumble

While Hardik used the short ball well, Bumrah got rid of a well-set Rizwan in the 15th over before dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed in the 19th over that went for just three runs.

The equation had come down to 18 needed off the last six balls and Arshdeep Singh held his nerves to ensure another famous win for India over Pakistan on the world stage.

Kumble was effusive in his praise for Bumrah, calling him the team's No 1 player in terms of selection, irrespective of formats and the nature of the surface.

"Jasprit Bumrah should be your number one in your team list. Forget about the format, Jasprit Bumrah is your number one. Yes, this is a pitch where it was not easy for the bowlers but the variations and also the kind of pressure he puts on the batters..." Kumble said.

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"Knowing that it's not going to be easy, forget the surface, any surface, we have seen that right throughout his career, it's not easy. Any batter coming in front of Bumrah knows that it's going to be tough, and on a surface like this, he just builds the pressure," he added.

(With PTI inputs)