In a season where batters ruled the game with record-breaking scores and sixes, one bowler stood tall – Jasprit Bumrah. While most bowlers struggled with high economy rates, Bumrah delivered one of the best performances by a bowler in IPL history.

This year’s IPL has seen more 200+ team totals and the highest scoring rates ever. Yet, Bumrah has been incredibly consistent and effective. He missed the first four matches of the season, and Mumbai Indians (MI) won only one of those. Since his return, MI have won eight out of eleven games, showing just how important he is to the team.

Game-Changing Spell in the Eliminator

In the Eliminator match against Gujarat Titans, MI made a risky decision at the toss, bowled in tough conditions due to dew, and were under pressure. GT were cruising with a strong run rate and eight wickets in hand. But then, Bumrah stepped in and turned the game around. One of the most unforgettable moments was when he bowled a perfect yorker to dismiss Washington Sundar, scattering the stumps.

MI's Fortunes with Bumrah
Before Bumrah joined MI in 2013, they had no IPL titles. With him, they've won five and are chasing a sixth this year. The difference he makes is not just visible but measurable. Even in T20 cricket, where bowlers have limited control, Bumrah creates a big impact. While most bowlers in T20s average an economy of 8.12, Bumrah's is a brilliant 6.86. His average of 20.09 is far better than the general average of 27.7.

Dominating in a Batters' Tournament
This IPL has been especially challenging for bowlers. It's not only the highest-scoring season but also has the most sixes hit. Despite that, Bumrah has the best economy rate among bowlers who have bowled at least 25 balls – just 6.36 per over, compared to the tournament average of 9.61.

Only three bowlers with as many or more wickets than Bumrah are still in the tournament, showing how rare his consistency is. His ability to control the game is unmatched.

Master of Length and Execution
In T20s, the margin for error is very small, especially for bowlers. However, Bumrah's unique bowling style, especially his action, gives him an edge. He delivers a high percentage of yorkers, full tosses, and good-length balls close to the stumps.

• 43.41% of his deliveries are in key areas like yorkers and attempted yorkers.
• His yorkers go for just 5.49 runs per over (others average 6.66).
• His full tosses go for only 7.42 runs per over (others: 11.58).
• His deliveries in the 2-4m range go for just 5 runs per over (others: 8.2).

Other fast bowlers manage to bowl only 22% of their balls in these zones because they risk being hit if they miss. Bumrah does it nearly twice as often – and with far better results.

The riskiest length in IPL 2025 has been the 4-6m range – ideal on seaming pitches but dangerous on flat T20 tracks. Bumrah rarely bowls in this area – only 7.75% of the time – and still keeps his economy low at 8.1. Other bowlers, meanwhile, bowl in this zone 13.83% of the time and go for 11.82 runs per over.

Skill and Smart Variations
Beyond his yorkers, Bumrah also uses clever variations. His slower deliveries have more dip and cut than any other bowler. In fact, most of his slower balls go for less than one run per ball, even when pitched in typically dangerous areas.

Against Punjab Kings, Bumrah gave away only 23 runs in four overs, even though PBKS successfully chased 185. Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who scored 221, Bumrah still went for just 29 runs in his full spell. That shows how consistent and impactful he has been, even when others around him leak runs.

In both matches, other MI bowlers like Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner went for over 10 runs per over. This highlights how much weight Bumrah carries in MI’s bowling unit.

One of the Greatest Seasons for a Bowler
T20 is considered a format made for batters, and 2025 has been their best year yet. But despite missing the first four matches, Bumrah still has a chance to make this the greatest IPL season ever for a bowler. His control, intelligence, and calm under pressure make him stand out.

Yes, there are always factors like the toss, dew, or other players having a bad day that can affect a match. But one thing MI can count on – Bumrah will deliver.