Jasprit Bumrah was the best player in the IPL 2024 match between Mumbai and Bengaluru. The pacer took five leys wickets, including the prized scalps of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, to put the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the backfoot. Although RCB scored 196 in 20 overs, the total was never enough as the hosts completed the chase in 15.3 overs with seven wickets in hand.

RCB captain Faf du Plessis admitted that Bumrah was the difference between the two sides on a flat Wankhede wicket. “I think he was the difference as he took five wickets on a wicket that was all for the batters. When you face him, you are constantly under pressure, and he will often surprise you.

“Jasprit Bumrah has replaced the greatest Lasith Malinga in the Mumbai Indians bowling up. He bowled a special spell in the game against us,” Faf du Plessis said.

Faf further said they were a few runs short, and the poor bowling didn’t help them either.

“With dew settling in, we knew that 196 would never be enough. We needed to cross the 200-run mark, which we couldn’t do. The bowling was poor, with the bowlers regularly bowling full tosses and getting dispatched for fours and sixes. This a high-scoring venue, and you have to be precise during bowling,” he added.

RCB have lost five games while winning just one in the 17th season of the tournament. Faf has been ordinary as a captain and has made tactical errors. Cricket experts have questioned the way he has led the team in the ongoing season despite the presence of players like Virat Kohli.

Glenn Maxwell has also become a headache for the franchise, with three ducks from the first six contests.

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