Bumrah: unplayable, but you’ve got to play him out
© BCCI
No. 7, Jasprit Bumrah
by Sidharth Monga
Jasprit Bumrah stands out as one of the top two fast bowlers in T20 cricket history. He and Lasith Malinga played together for the Mumbai Indians, clinching four titles across five IPL seasons.
While Bumrah may not take wickets at an extraordinarily high rate—averaging 17.7 balls per wicket in T20s—his economy of 6.89 is the lowest among fast bowlers with 275 or more wickets. This statistic reflects his strategy: he prioritizes restricting runs over chasing wicket counts.
Bumrah excels in all phases of the game. He skillfully moves the new ball, delivers pinpoint lengths in the middle overs, and accurately executes yorkers in the closing overs. His unique delivery style, characterized by a late release and hyperextension, presents batters with the challenging task of judging the length effectively.
- Matches: 163
- Wickets: 206
- Econ: 7.14
- PotM Awards: 11
- Titles: 7
- Standout Stat: Bumrah has secured 15+ wickets at an economy of under seven in four IPL seasons; Malinga is the only other fast bowler to match this feat.
Batters often feel they must take risks against other bowlers when facing Bumrah, effectively turning matches into 20 overs versus 16. This showcases his ability to control the game, compelling the opposition to play differently.
In the T20 format, characterized by batting dominance, the ability to restrict runs significantly enhances a bowler’s reputation. For Bumrah to be recognized as someone opponents must strategize against is the ultimate compliment to his skills.
Career High: In the thrilling 2019 IPL final, Bumrah played a crucial role as the Mumbai Indians secured victory by just one run. He delivered the best bowling figures (4 overs, 16 runs, 2 wickets) which significantly impacted the game’s outcome.
