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Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Jasprit Bumrah's Role Beyond Wickets

In a recent discussion, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized the importance of Jasprit Bumrah's ability to bowl tight yorkers over merely taking wickets. Despite Bumrah's current wicketless streak in the IPL, Ashwin argues that his role in controlling the run rate is crucial for the Mumbai Indians, especially in high-scoring matches. This article delves into Bumrah's recent performances and Ashwin's insights on the significance of teamwork in T20 cricket.
By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 12, 2026, 23:39 IST

Bumrah's Importance in the Mumbai Indians' Strategy

Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian cricket star, highlighted the significance of Jasprit Bumrah's skill in delivering precise yorkers and controlling the run rate, particularly in high-scoring environments like Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Ashwin believes that Bumrah's ability to restrict runs is more crucial than merely focusing on taking wickets.

In his recent performances, Bumrah has not claimed a wicket in his last five outings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as reported by CricViz. Over these five innings, he has bowled a total of 122 deliveries without success, marking his longest wicketless streak in the IPL.


Performance Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

During the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Wankhede Stadium, Bumrah ended with figures of 0/35 in 4 overs. Despite not taking any wickets, he was the most economical bowler for the Mumbai Indians, as RCB amassed a staggering 240 runs for 4 wickets in their 20 overs.

Ashwin's Insights on Bumrah's Role

In a post shared on X, Ashwin expressed that the narrative surrounding Bumrah's lack of wickets could be detrimental to the team's performance. He emphasized that Bumrah's true worth lies in his ability to bowl tight yorkers and limit the opposition's scoring opportunities, especially in high-pressure venues like Wankhede Stadium. Ashwin stated, "The lack of wickets narrative for Bumrah can hamper the team's cause! Him nailing yorkers and choking the opposition for every single run is even more important than him looking to get wickets, especially in venues like the Wankhede."


Furthermore, Ashwin pointed out that in T20 cricket, the ability to take wickets often relies on effective bowling partnerships. He urged teams to prioritize collective pressure and teamwork over individual statistics, noting, "When you can't bowl overs on the trot, your wicket-taking ability depends on your partners who hand the over to you. We have had so many years of T20 cricket now, and bowling in partnerships as a defensive group is still a seed in the minds of bowling groups."

Bumrah's Recent Performance Statistics

Despite his wicketless streak in the last five IPL matches, Bumrah has maintained an economy rate above 10 in only two games: against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier and against Rajasthan Royals in the current season.


Here are Bumrah's last five IPL innings:



  • 0/40 (4 overs) vs PBKS, Ahmedabad


  • 0/35 (4 overs) vs KKR, Wankhede


  • 0/21 (4 overs) vs DC, Delhi


  • 0/32 (3 overs) vs RR, Guwahati


  • 0/35 (4 overs) vs RCB, Wankhede