Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead, has reached a monumental milestone by equalling Lasith Malinga’s all-time wicket record for the franchise, both now standing at 170 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This achievement not only cements Bumrah’s legacy in MI’s rich history but also highlights his remarkable consistency and longevity in the world’s premier T20 league.
The Historic Moment
Bumrah matched Malinga’s record during match 41 of IPL 2025 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The historic wicket came in the final delivery of his spell, when he dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen, who had been threatening to take the game away from MI with a well-made 71. Bumrah finished the match with figures of 1/39, and his scalp proved to be a turning point, helping MI restrict SRH to a modest total of 143/8.
Bumrah’s Journey: From Debutant to Franchise Legend
Since making his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2013, Bumrah has been the backbone of the team’s bowling attack. Over 138 matches, he has evolved into one of the most feared T20 bowlers globally, known for his deadly yorkers, unorthodox action, and nerves of steel in crunch situations. His rise coincided with MI’s golden era, where he played pivotal roles in multiple title-winning campaigns.
Despite suffering a back injury earlier in the year, Bumrah returned to IPL 2025 with undiminished pace and accuracy. In the current season, he has taken five wickets from four matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.43, showing no signs of rust or compromise in his skills. His best figures this season are 2/25.
The Significance of the Record
Lasith Malinga, often hailed as the “yorker king,” was instrumental in MI’s early dominance, using his lethal toe-crushers to win matches from impossible situations. Malinga set the benchmark with 170 wickets in just 122 matches at an average of 19.79. Bumrah, in comparison, reached the same tally in 138 matches, underlining his remarkable consistency and adaptability over a longer period.
This record is more than just a statistical feat; it represents the passing of the torch from one T20 great to another. Malinga was Bumrah’s mentor during his formative years at MI, and Bumrah’s rise to the top has been a story of learning, evolution, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Elite Company: MI’s Top Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jasprit Bumrah | 138 | 170 | 5/10 |
| 1 | Lasith Malinga | 122 | 170 | 5/13 |
| 3 | Harbhajan Singh | 127 | 127 | – |
| 4 | Mitchell McClenaghan | 56 | 71 | – |
| 5 | Kieron Pollard | 189 | 69 | – |
Bumrah’s achievement places him at the summit of MI’s bowling charts, with only Malinga for company at the top.
Bumrah’s Broader IPL and T20 Legacy
With this feat, Bumrah has also climbed to eighth in the list of highest wicket-takers in IPL history, joining an elite group led by Yuzvendra Chahal (214 wickets), Piyush Chawla (192), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (189). Additionally, Bumrah became only the second Indian pacer, after Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to claim 300 wickets in T20 cricket, joining the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Piyush Chawla, and Chahal among Indian bowlers with this rare achievement.
Impact on Mumbai Indians and IPL
Bumrah’s presence has been crucial in MI’s success, especially in high-pressure games. His ability to bowl at any stage of the innings—powerplay, middle overs, or death—has given Mumbai Indians a strategic edge. Historically, he has been a nemesis for teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, with 18 wickets in 16 matches against them at an economy of just 7.11.
His journey is also a testament to MI’s ability to nurture and retain world-class talent, building a legacy that extends from Malinga’s era to Bumrah’s reign.
What’s Next?
With MI still in contention for the playoffs, Bumrah is poised to surpass Malinga and become the franchise’s outright leading wicket-taker. Given his form and fitness, it is likely that he will set a new benchmark that could stand for years to come.
Jasprit Bumrah’s record-equalling feat is not just a personal triumph but a significant moment in IPL history. It symbolizes the enduring legacy of Mumbai Indians’ bowling excellence and the seamless transition of leadership from one legend to another. As Bumrah continues to lead MI’s attack, fans and cricket historians alike will watch eagerly as he writes the next chapter in this remarkable story
