Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently lavished high praise on pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, likening him to a “cheat code” in the T20 format. In video games, cheat codes give players an unfair advantage — and in Ashwin’s words, that’s exactly what Bumrah offers to any team he plays for. The comparison might seem playful, but it’s a statement rooted in truth when viewed through the lens of Bumrah’s consistent impact on the shortest format of the game.
Bumrah has redefined fast bowling in T20 cricket. In a format that heavily favors batters, where power-hitting dominates and bowlers often end up as mere run-containers, Bumrah is a rare breed who turns games with the ball. His precision, mastery over yorkers, and ability to deliver under pressure make him one of the most valuable assets in world cricket. Ashwin’s statement reflects what fans, players, and analysts have been saying for years: Jasprit Bumrah is not just a great bowler; he is a match-winner in his own league.
Ashwin pointed out how Bumrah brings calmness to chaos. When matches are slipping away, and batters are on a rampage, teams throw the ball to Bumrah — and more often than not, he delivers. Whether it’s the powerplay, middle overs, or the final death overs, Bumrah’s role is pivotal. His economy rate remains outstanding, even in high-scoring games, and his ability to pick crucial wickets at key moments turns matches around.
In IPL 2025 and during recent international fixtures, Bumrah’s bowling has been nothing short of extraordinary. His return to top form after injury was a major boost for India, and his performances in the IPL have proven why he remains indispensable. He has not only maintained his pace but added new variations — slower balls, back-of-the-hand deliveries, and subtle seam movements — which make him nearly unreadable to batters. For Ashwin, a seasoned reader of the game, this complete control and variety make Bumrah the ultimate weapon.
Ashwin also emphasized Bumrah’s mental strength. He pointed out how the pressure of T20 cricket, especially in the death overs, can rattle even experienced bowlers. But Bumrah remains unflappable. His poker-faced demeanor, regardless of the match situation, gives his teammates confidence and often unsettles batters. It’s this composure that allows him to deliver those perfect yorkers and outfox even the most explosive hitters.
Another quality that elevates Bumrah is his ability to adapt. Over the years, he has evolved his skillset to suit different conditions. Whether it’s flat pitches in India, seaming tracks in England, or bouncy surfaces in Australia, Bumrah modifies his approach to remain effective. He doesn’t rely on raw pace alone but understands angles, trajectories, and match-ups better than most.
As India prepares for more high-stakes T20 contests, including the ongoing World Cup campaign, Bumrah’s role will be central. His presence in the squad is not just a tactical advantage — it’s a psychological one. Opponents prepare specifically for him, yet still struggle to find answers.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s remark about Bumrah being a “cheat code” isn’t mere flattery. It’s a reflection of how rare and impactful Bumrah is in a game dominated by batsmen. In T20 cricket, where margins are tight and every ball matters, Jasprit Bumrah is truly a game-changer — a bowler who bends the rules of probability and brings victory within reach, no matter the odds.
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