Since the Ashes 2017-18, fans on X (formerly Twitter) have anointed Jasprit Bumrah as “Josh Hazlegod”—a nod to his unplayable spells. But it is the Mumbai Indians (MI) who have truly worshipped at the altar of Bumrah’s brilliance. The franchise’s history can be neatly divided into two eras: Before Bumrah (BB) and Anno Domini (AD—After Dominance).
In IPL 2025, Bumrah’s influence has been nothing short of miraculous. His absence in MI’s first four matches saw the team win just once. Since his return, they’ve won 8 out of 11—a stark contrast that underlines his irreplaceable impact.
The Bumrah Miracle in Eliminator: A Divine Yorkers’ Sermon
The Eliminator against Gujarat Titans (GT) was a microcosm of Bumrah’s godly powers. MI, having misjudged the toss and battling heavy dew, were being pummeled—GT’s run rate was ahead of the asking rate after 14 overs, with eight wickets intact.
Then, like a wrathful deity, Bumrah descended. His spell dismantled GT’s chase, culminating in an iconic moment: Washington Sundar spreadeagled, his stumps shattered by a searing yorker—a visual that may well define IPL 2025.
Bumrah’s Statistical Divinity
In a tournament where 200+ totals are routine, Bumrah has defied logic:
- Economy rate: 6.36 (league average: 9.61)
- Average: 20.09 (league average: 27.7)
- 43.41% of his deliveries are full tosses, yorkers, or near-yorkers (2-4m length)—areas where most bowlers get slaughtered.
Why does he succeed where others fail?
- Hyperextension & Lift: His unique action generates deceptive lift, making even his “missed” yorkers (full tosses) hard to hit.
- Slower Ball Sorcery: His cutters and slower balls dip alarmingly, with batters managing just 50 strike rate against them.
- Minimal Slot Balls: Only 7.75% of his deliveries land in the 4-6m “slot” (the most punished length in T20s).
MI’s Bumrah-Dependent Resurrection
Before Bumrah’s arrival in 2013, MI had zero titles in five seasons. Since then, they’ve won five championships and are now eyeing a sixth.
2025’s Bumrah Effect:
- Without Bumrah (first 4 matches): 1 win, 3 losses
- With Bumrah (next 11 matches): 8 wins, 3 losses
Even in losses, Bumrah has been immaculate:
- Vs PBKS: 4 overs, 23 runs (PBKS chased 185)
- Vs RCB: 4 overs, 29 runs (RCB scored 221)
The Final Hurdle: Can MI Overcome the Two Teams That “Solved” Bumrah?
MI’s path to the title requires beating:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) – The only team to chase comfortably vs Bumrah’s MI.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – The side that posted 221 despite Bumrah’s frugality.
The Problem? MI’s support bowlers (Boult, Santner) were expensive in those games. If MI’s batters don’t fire, even Bumrah’s heroics may not suffice.
Conclusion: Bumrah’s IPL 2025 – The Greatest Bowling Season Ever?
In a batter-dominated year, Bumrah has been a one-man resistance. He missed four games, yet could still finish as IPL 2025’s best bowler.
Will MI’s faith in their “vaccine for any illness” (as Aaron Finch called him) be rewarded? Or will the toss, dew, or batting failures deny Bumrah his rightful glory?
One thing is certain: When Bumrah bowls, miracles happen.
