Bumrah the ‘Antidote’: Masterclass in Pressure as Chat With Jayawardene Goes Viral

Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling has often been described as lethal, surgical, and match-winning. But former India pacer Varun Aaron may have coined the most fitting description yet. Calling him an “antidote,” Aaron said Bumrah is a cure for any bowling crisis a team may face. And during the high-stakes Eliminator in IPL 2025 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT), Bumrah once again proved why he is the most trusted man in pressure situations.

In a match where Mumbai posted a towering 228/5, Gujarat were fighting back, with Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar keeping the chase alive. The MI bowling attack was leaking runs, and the tension was visible in the Mumbai camp. That’s when Bumrah stepped in, quite literally.

Bumrah’s Match-Turning Spell

Bowling his third over at a crucial juncture. He executed a searing toe-crushing yorker to dismiss a well-set Washington Sundar on 48. It was a perfect leg-stump delivery that sent Sundar crashing to the ground, unable to even get his bat down in time. That one wicket completely changed the momentum. Gujarat’s run flow stalled, and MI regained control, eventually sealing a 20-run victory.

Bumrah’s final figures — 4 overs, 27 runs, and a vital wicket — don’t fully capture the impact he had. He applied the brakes just when MI needed a hero.

‘I’ll Do the Job for You’ – Bumrah’s Confidence Over Jayawardene’s Concern

Aaron also highlighted a compelling moment during the match — a boundary line exchange between MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene and Bumrah. As the Gujarat batters were going after the MI attack, Jayawardene tried to pass instructions to his ace pacer. But Bumrah, calm as ever, seemingly dismissed the need for advice.

“He just turns around and is like, ‘Just calm down, I’ll do the job for you.’ Then he runs in, gets hit for a six, and follows it up with that game-changing yorker. That’s belief, that’s greatness,” Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo’s ‘Timeout’.

The Bumrah Effect: MI’s Turnaround

Bumrah’s return from injury mid-season has coincided with Mumbai Indians’ incredible comeback. The five-time champions were struggling early in the tournament, but since Bumrah’s return, they’ve registered six straight wins. His 18 wickets so far have been instrumental in propelling MI to Qualifier 2, where they now face Punjab Kings for a spot in the final.

“He’s a bowler who brings calm in chaos,” Aaron added. “Whether you need wickets or want to stop runs, he does it. You don’t teach this; it’s instinct and class.”

Bumrah has not just been the MI spearhead but also their emotional backbon. He is leading by example, shutting out the noise, and delivering under pressure.

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