Ashwin Says Bumrah’s Wicketless Start Hides His Real Value for Mumbai
Ravichandran Ashwin defended Jasprit Bumrah after four games without a wicket, saying run control and teamwork matter more than wickets at Wankhede.
By SportCricket Desk · 13 Apr 2026 · 2 min read
Ravichandran Ashwin believes the focus on Jasprit Bumrah’s lack of wickets in IPL 2026 gives a misleading picture of his impact for Mumbai Indians.
Economy over wickets
Bumrah has gone four matches without a wicket, yet his economy rate is a respectable 8.53, showing he has kept runs in check even in high-scoring games.
Ashwin said a bowler’s contribution goes beyond taking wickets, particularly at a batter-friendly ground like the Wankhede Stadium. In those conditions, he argued, bowling yorkers and restricting scoring is just as valuable, if not more so.
He added that taking wickets is not one bowler’s job. It depends on the whole attack working together, and in T20 cricket partnerships between bowlers matter, because steady pressure from one end can create chances at the other.
Mumbai’s bowling struggles
As a unit, MI have found the season difficult with the ball. They have taken only 14 wickets in four matches and are conceding 11.19 runs an over, the worst rate in the tournament so far.
On April 12 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru they conceded 240/4. Bumrah was the most economical bowler that night, finishing with 0/40 from his four overs, but still had no wicket to show for it. Mumbai lost by 18 runs.
