Ravichandran Ashwin hails Jasprit Bumrah calling him a 'Cheat Code' in T20 matches

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped high praise on Jasprit Bumrah after the Mumbai Indians (MI) edged past Gujarat Titans (GT) in a tense Eliminator of IPL 2025. MI emerged victorious by 20 runs, securing a spot in Qualifier 2 and knocking out Shubman Gill’s Titans from the tournament.

In a detailed review on his YouTube channel, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) off-spinner pointed out how the momentum of the match hinged significantly on Bumrah’s over in the 14th of GT’s chase.

“This game could have gone even closer if Jasprit Bumrah's over didn't happen,” Ashwin remarked. “The asking rate was like 12, 13, 14, but he gave like 7 or 8 runs in his last two overs. Rahul Tewatia hit him for a six, but still, the way he came back and gave one run in the next two balls, that defines Bumrah.”

Bumrah’s final spell was instrumental in applying the brakes to GT’s chase. While Tewatia momentarily threatened to turn the game with a maximum, the composure and control displayed by Bumrah in the following deliveries underscored why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in T20 cricket.

“Even though he conceded nine runs in that over, it was a masterclass,” Ashwin emphasized. “That ability to bounce back mid-over, to absorb pressure and execute — that’s what separates Bumrah from the rest.”

Bumrah is a 'Cheat Code' in T20s, says Ashwin

Ashwin didn’t stop at praising Bumrah’s performance in the Eliminator. He took his admiration a step further, likening the fast bowler to a “cheat code” in modern-day T20 cricket — referencing popular video games like Road Rash and Need for Speed.

“I had tweeted during the T20 World Cup that Bumrah is a cheat code in today's T20 cricket. Have you ever played Road Rash or NFS? It's a cheat code,” he said. “If you play these games, you can enter a code, and you can run faster. You can beat everyone else. That's what Bumrah is — a hidden advantage.”

In one of his most striking observations, Ashwin claimed that Bumrah's sheer ability often makes his captain appear more effective than they might be.

“Sometimes I feel Jasprit Bumrah makes a captain look better than they actually are,” Ashwin stated. “The way he nails those yorkers, changes up his slower balls — it gives the skipper options, confidence, and breathing room. Not every team has that luxury.”