Jasprit Bumrah: The man who bends matches to his will

Some players win you matches, but a rare few have such an immense impact that they win you championships. Jasprit Bumrah belongs to that elite category. Time and again, when the Mumbai Indians need something extraordinary, Bumrah delivers—like a demigod summoned precisely when the stakes are highest.

Take Friday night, for example. Gujarat Titans were comfortably cruising towards a daunting target of 229. With 81 runs required off 42 balls and 8 wickets still in hand, the chase looked well within reach. And then came Bumrah. Not as a speed breaker—but a game breaker. What followed turned the entire match on its head.

He unleashed an unplayable yorker—one that not only shattered Washington Sundar’s stumps but also left him sprawled on the ground. That moment wasn’t just about a wicket; it was a statement. "As long as I’m here, Mumbai is alive." Only 4 runs came off that over, the pressure skyrocketed, and the Titans’ batting line-up collapsed like a house of cards.

This isn’t a one-off. Bumrah has taken 18 wickets this season in just 11 matches, which in itself is impressive. But what truly stands out is his economy rate—just 6.3, the best among bowlers who have bowled more than four overs. If these were ODI figures, they would still be considered elite.

Thankfully, the IPL only awards the Orange Cap for the highest wicket-taker. Because if there were a cap for economy rate, it would permanently sit on Bumrah’s head. Might as well engrave it: “Property of Jasprit Bumrah.”

At this point, it’s hard to keep track of how many times Bumrah has pulled off the unthinkable for Mumbai Indians. He doesn’t just bowl; he bends games to his will. He isn’t just a cricketer—he’s a phenomenon.

Jasprit Bumrah is not a bowler. He’s a demigod. Accept that.