Jasprit Bumrah Shines Amid High-Scoring IPL 2025
In a season marked by the most 200-plus totals and record-high economy rates, Jasprit Bumrah has stood head and shoulders above all other bowlers.
People on X have been dubbing him “Josh Hazlegod” since Ashes 2017-18, but it is Mumbai Indians (MI) who have benefited most. Any MI campaign or match can now almost be divided into Before Bumrah and Anno Domini.
During the Eliminator against the Gujarat Titans (GT), MI struggled at the toss, faced heavy dew, and were being hit all around. By the 14th over, GT’s run rate exceeded the asking rate, and they had eight wickets in hand. Then came Bumrah, producing a spell that could define IPL 2025: Washington Sundar failed to counter a yorker, his stumps shattered, and MI claimed a miraculous victory.
Impact on the Mumbai Indians’ Campaign
Bumrah missed the first four matches of IPL 2025, during which MI won only once. Since his return, they have won eight out of 11 matches, a stark contrast highlighting his influence.
Before Bumrah, MI had zero titles in five years; now, with him, they are chasing their sixth IPL title in 13 seasons. His impact is undeniable—even in T20 cricket, where bowlers have limited agency, his performance shifts match outcomes significantly.
Exceptional Economy and Performance
Bumrah’s overall economy and average in T20 matches are 8.12 and 27.7, respectively. In IPL 2025, he has gone at 6.86 with an average of 20.09. Considering the year has produced the most sixes and 200-plus totals, his economy of 6.36 per over is extraordinary. Among bowlers with at least 25 deliveries, no one matches his efficiency.
Mastery Over Key Deliveries
Bumrah has bowled 43.41% of his deliveries as full tosses, yorkers, or 2–4m lengths—attempted yorkers—compared to 22% for other fast bowlers. His unique action gives him lift instead of dip, increasing his margin for error while maintaining extreme control.
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Full tosses: 7.42 runs per over (vs. 11.58 for others)
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Yorkers: 5.49 runs per over (vs. 6.66 for others)
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2–4m deliveries: 5 runs per over (vs. 8.2 for others)
By contrast, the 4–6m zone has been perilous for other bowlers, who conceded 11.82 runs per over, nearly double the 8.1 runs per over that Bumrah yielded when venturing there.
Slower Ball Mastery
Bumrah’s slower deliveries produce a dip and cut far superior to his peers. Where other bowlers’ slower balls succeed only as yorkers, Bumrah keeps batting strike rates below 50 across the 0–8m and 10–12m zones. Against the Punjab Kings, he conceded 23 runs in four overs despite a 185-run chase. Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he gave 29 runs in four overs even as RCB posted 221.
Bowler’s Influence in a Batter-Dominated Year
In a year dominated by high totals, Bumrah remains nearly unassailable. MI’s title chances depend on overcoming rare opponents like Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, who scored at more than ten runs per over in matches against them.
Despite the challenges—toss, dew, teammates’ performances, or batting collapses—Bumrah’s contribution is likely to remain consistent, making IPL 2025 arguably the greatest IPL season for a bowler in the T20 era.