MS Dhoni Picks His Favourite Cricketer And It's Not Virat Kohli Or Rohit Sharma

In a surprising yet thoughtful revelation, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has named Jasprit Bumrah as his current favorite cricketer, bypassing the usual suspects—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This choice comes amidst a growing debate among fans and pundits over who reigns supreme in Indian cricket. Dhoni’s endorsement of Bumrah underscores the fast bowler’s pivotal role in Team India's recent successes.

Mahi in a Recent Event Said Jasprit Bumrah is his Current Favourite Fast Bowler ! ___#MSDhoni #JaspritBumrah #TeamIndia
_ via @junaid_csk_7 pic.twitter.com/8lRNotBlpv

— TEAM MS DHONI #Dhoni (@imDhoni_fc) July 31, 2024

The Unlikely Choice: Why Dhoni Prefers Bumrah

Attending a promotional event while the Indian team tours Sri Lanka under Gautam Gambhir's leadership, Dhoni was asked to name his favorite player from the current squad. Contrary to the popular narrative that often pits Kohli against Sharma, Dhoni singled out Bumrah. His decision, as he explained, stemmed from the unique challenges and contributions of bowlers in the game.

"Current favorite, it’s easy to pick a bowler since Bumrah is there. It’s difficult to pick a batter because we have several good batters, but that doesn’t mean bowlers aren’t good," Dhoni remarked. "As long as Team India is doing fine, I don’t want to pick a batter, but I hope they will keep scoring runs. However, I have picked my favorite bowler."

Bumrah's T20 World Cup Heroics

Dhoni's admiration for Bumrah isn't without merit. The fast bowler played a crucial role in India's triumphant campaign at the recent ICC T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. His exceptional performance, including 15 wickets at an average of 8.26, was instrumental in India clinching their second T20 World Cup title, the first being in 2007 under Dhoni's captaincy.

Bumrah's consistency and skill were rewarded when he was named the Player of the Tournament, joining an elite list of Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli, to have received the honor at an ICC event. His ability to deliver under pressure, especially in the death overs, has made him a linchpin in India's bowling attack.

The Road Ahead for Bumrah

As the Indian team continues its tour of Sri Lanka, Bumrah has been rested, raising questions about his fitness and future participation. Fans eagerly await his return, especially with the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) on the horizon. His absence in the immediate series is a calculated move to manage his workload, ensuring he remains at peak performance for critical upcoming fixtures.