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Ashwin Defends Bumrah's Wicketless Streak, Says Choking Runs is Key

Ravichandran Ashwin has come to the defense of Jasprit Bumrah, arguing that the pacer's current wicketless streak is misleading. Ashwin emphasizes that Bumrah's real value lies in his ability to bowl tight, economical overs and choke the opposition's run flow, especially at high-scoring grounds like the Wankhede. He further explains that in T20 cricket, success often depends on bowling partnerships and collective defensive pressure rather than individual wicket tallies. Despite not taking a wicket in his last five matches, Bumrah has maintained strong economy rates, underlining his role as a restrictive bowler.

Key Points: Ashwin Defends Bumrah's Value Beyond Wickets in IPL

  • Bumrah wicketless in last 5 IPL innings
  • Ashwin stresses run-choking over wickets
  • Highlights importance of bowling partnerships
  • Bumrah remains MI's most economical bowler
2 min read

"Nailing yorkers and choking the opposition is even more important": Ashwin defends Bumrah as pacer's wicketless IPL 2026 campaign continues

Ravichandran Ashwin says Jasprit Bumrah's ability to bowl tight yorkers and restrict runs is more crucial than taking wickets for MI.

"The lack of wickets narrative for Bumrah can hamper the teams cause! - Ravichandran Ashwin"

Mumbai, April 12

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin emphasised that Mumbai Indians' pacer Jasprit Bumrah's ability to bowl tight yorkers and stop the run flow is more important than him looking to get wickets, especially at high-scoring venues like Mumbai's Wankhede.

Notably, Jasprit Bumrah has gone wicketless in his last five Indian Premier League (IPL) innings, according to CricViz. Bumrah has bowled 122 balls and has been wicketless, the right-arm quick's longest run without a wicket in the IPL.

In the Mumbai Indians' match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium, the ace Indian pacer also went wicketless, registering figures of 0/35 in 4 overs. However, he stood out as MI's most economical bowler as RCB posted a mammoth 240/4 in 20 overs.

In a post on X, Ravichandran Ashwin said that focusing on Jasprit Bumrah's lack of wickets is misleading and could hurt the MI's cause. He stressed that Bumrah's real value lies in bowling tight yorkers and restricting runs, especially at venues like Wankhede Stadium.

"The lack of wickets narrative for Bumrah can hamper the teams 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," Ashwin said.

Ashwin also highlights that in T20 cricket, wicket-taking often depends on bowling partnerships, and teams should prioritise collective pressure and defensive teamwork over individual stats.

"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 & bowling in partnerships as a defensive group is still a seed in the minds of bowling groups," Ashwin added.

Despite going wicketless in his last five Indian Premier League innings, Jasprit Bumrah has recorded an economy rate above 10 in just two matches, against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier and Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing season.

0/40 (4) vs PBKS, Ahmedabad0/35 (4) vs KKR, Wankhede0/21 (4) vs DC, Delhi0/32 (3) vs RR, Guwahati0/35 (4) vs RCB, Wankhede.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, I get it, but it's still worrying. Bumrah is our strike bowler for India. If he's not taking wickets in the IPL, will that form carry into the World T20? He needs to find a way to break partnerships, not just contain. 🤔
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Vikram M
Totally agree with Ashwin Anna! Stats don't tell the full story. When Bumrah bowls, the batters are just trying to survive, not score. That pressure creates wickets at the other end. Bowling in partnerships is key. MI's other bowlers need to step up.
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Priya S
It's the classic Indian fan dilemma – we want our heroes to have flashy stats! But Ashwin is right, this constant focus on individual wickets is misleading. In a team sport, sometimes your job is to be the wall. Bumrah is doing that brilliantly.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, I have to disagree with Ashwin here. A strike bowler of Bumrah's caliber going 5 matches without a wicket is a concern, period. Yes, economy matters, but wickets change games. He needs to find his rhythm and attacking intent soon. #MI
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Kavya N
The real issue is MI's team balance. If Bumrah is your only reliable bowler, of course he'll be used defensively! They need to support him so he can attack. Ashwin's insight about bowling groups is spot on. It's a team failure, not a Bumrah failure.

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