Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has stirred the cricketing world with his bold statement, declaring 31-year-old Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast bowler in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This proclamation comes despite the presence of legendary pacers like Lasith Malinga, Dwayne Bravo, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, Mumbai Indians have retained Bumrah for a whopping INR 18 crore, solidifying his status as one of the most valuable players in the tournament’s history.
Bumrah, who made his IPL debut in the 2013 season, has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians, playing 133 matches and scalping 165 wickets. Although he trails behind Bravo (183), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (181), and Malinga (170) in the list of highest wicket-takers among pacers, Zaheer Khan firmly believes that Bumrah’s impact on the tournament makes him the best fast bowler IPL has ever witnessed.
Bumrah’s Dominance in IPL Despite No Purple Cap
One of the most intriguing aspects of Bumrah’s IPL career is that he has never won the prestigious Purple Cap, awarded to the highest wicket-taker in a season. However, his influence on Mumbai Indians’ success over the years has been unmatched.
Zaheer Khan, who himself played for teams like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, expressed his views on the Cricbuzz show, emphasizing that Bumrah’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his consistency over the years have set him apart from the rest.
In contrast, other legendary pacers like Malinga, Bravo, and Bhuvneshwar have all won the Purple Cap at least once in their careers. Yet, it is Bumrah’s exceptional economy rate of 7.30 and his ability to deliver in crunch moments that make him stand out. His effectiveness in the death overs has made him a nightmare for opposition batters.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Journey: From 2013 Debut to IPL’s Most Feared Pacer
Hailing from Ahmedabad, Bumrah burst onto the IPL scene in 2013 when he made his debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore. His first-ever wicket in IPL was none other than Virat Kohli. Since then, he has only grown in stature, becoming the linchpin of Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack.
Bumrah is one of the only four bowlers in IPL history to take two five-wicket hauls, a testament to his match-winning abilities. His impeccable yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and pinpoint accuracy have made him the go-to bowler in crucial situations.
Mumbai Indians’ Most Expensive Player
Over the years, Bumrah has cemented his position as Mumbai Indians’ most prized asset. With a retention price of INR 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, he has become the most expensive player in the franchise’s history. His contributions have been pivotal in Mumbai Indians securing five IPL titles, a record matched only by a handful of players in the tournament.
Will Bumrah Miss the Start of IPL 2025?
Despite his unparalleled dominance, there are concerns regarding Bumrah’s fitness ahead of IPL 2025. The pacer has been battling a lower back injury, which has kept him out of action for an extended period. Due to ongoing rehabilitation, he might miss the initial matches of the season.
In his absence, Mumbai Indians will rely on Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to spearhead their pace attack. Additionally, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to play a key role in providing balance to the team.
As Mumbai Indians gear up for another IPL season, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery. His presence will be crucial in their quest for another title, as he remains one of the most lethal bowlers the league has ever seen.