WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga’s heartfelt moment of mutual appreciation post MI’s win over LSG in IPL 2025
In a heartwarming scene that quickly captured the imagination of cricket lovers around the world, ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and legendary Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga shared a moment of mutual admiration after Bumrah surpassed Malinga’s long-standing record for the most wickets taken for the Mumbai Indians franchise.
Bumrah, who has been one of MI’s pillars for several seasons, delivered a stellar performance that evening, finishing with figures of 4/22. His precise and lethal bowling dismantled LSG’s top order, playing a pivotal role in MI’s defense of a daunting 216-run target. While the match itself was filled with exhilarating performances, it was the touching exchange between Bumrah and Malinga post-match that truly stole the show.
Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah’s modest mutual admiration
In a beautifully candid video shared by Mumbai Indians, Bumrah and Malinga can be seen sharing a conversation filled with mutual appreciation and respect. Bumrah, humbly acknowledging the achievements of his predecessor, pointed at Malinga and said, “He is still better.” In response, Malinga, with a beaming smile, pointed back and countered, “He is the best.” The exchange perfectly captured the essence of cricket — a sport where records are celebrated but personal bonds and respect endure beyond numbers.
Malinga, who now serves as Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach, has played an instrumental role in shaping Bumrah’s career. Often credited with mentoring Bumrah during his early years in the IPL, Malinga’s unique slingy bowling action and deadly yorkers became templates that Bumrah has adapted and perfected in his own right.
Statistically, Bumrah’s achievement is monumental. He has now taken 174 wickets for Mumbai Indians, moving past Malinga’s 170. Harbhajan Singh remains a distant third with 127 wickets. While Malinga still boasts a slightly better average (19.79) and economy rate (7.14) compared to Bumrah’s 22.64 average and 7.31 economy, Bumrah’s consistency, especially in high-pressure situations, cements his place among the IPL greats.
Here’s the video:
344* wickets in #TATAIPL – 𝗠𝗜 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 🎯💥@ril_foundation | #ESADay #EducationAndSportsForAll #MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #MIvLSG pic.twitter.com/C8RwtBdn6R
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 27, 2025
Also READ: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians in IPL history ft. Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s spell powers MI’s winning streak in IPL 2025
Mumbai Indians needed their trump card to deliver against a potent Lucknow Super Giants lineup, and Bumrah rose to the occasion in style. Introduced into the attack against LSG’s powerful top order, Bumrah made an immediate impact. He removed the dangerous Aiden Markram early, executing his strategy with clinical precision, angling deliveries sharply in and forcing a mistimed shot to Naman Dhir.
Bumrah didn’t stop there. He went on to dismantle the middle and lower order, sending back David Miller, Abdul Samad, and Avesh Khan — all for ducks. His variations in pace, impeccable control, and ability to deliver under pressure left the LSG batters clueless. In a must-win game to boost MI’s playoff chances, Bumrah’s four wickets were the cornerstone of their defense.
While the scoreboard reflected LSG’s total of 161, well short of the target, the real story lay in the masterclass of fast bowling witnessed that night. The performance also silenced critics who had questioned Bumrah’s form post-injury, reaffirming his status as not just MI’s finest but one of T20 cricket’s premier fast bowlers.
Across all T20 matches, Lasith Malinga still holds a slight edge over Bumrah with 195 wickets compared to Bumrah’s 174. However, with Bumrah’s current form and fitness levels, it’s only a matter of time before he claims that crown as well. Looking ahead, Bumrah will have another chance to add to his wicket tally when MI face the Rajasthan Royals on May 1 in Jaipur.
Also READ: Top 5 Indian bowlers with 300 T20 wickets ft. Jasprit Bumrah
