The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season has witnessed a batting bonanza, with the 250-run mark being breached eight times already. Amidst this run-fest, two bowlers have stood out as exceptional performers: Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine.
Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead, has been in scintillating form, leading the Purple Cap charts with 17 wickets in 11 matches. His economy rate of 6.25 is a testament to his ability to control the flow of runs while also picking up crucial wickets.
Narine, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ mystery spinner, has also been impressive, claiming 13 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 6.72. His unique bowling action and variations have made him a formidable force, bamboozling batsmen with his deceptive deliveries.
Ravindra Ashwin, the Rajasthan Royals’ spinner, has praised Bumrah and Narine for their exceptional performances. However, he took a subtle dig at Narine’s bowling action, which has been questioned in the past. Ashwin declined to elaborate on the topic, stating that it was against his policy.
Despite his praise for Bumrah and Narine, Ashwin has struggled for form this season, leaking runs at nine per over and claiming only two wickets in nine matches. His recent comments that taking wickets in T20s is irrelevant have drawn criticism from former India batter Virender Sehwag.
Sehwag believes that Ashwin’s remarks could hurt his chances of being picked in the IPL auction next season. He emphasized that bowlers are expected to take wickets and not merely contain runs.
The ongoing IPL season has highlighted the importance of bowlers who can not only restrict runs but also pick up wickets. Bumrah and Narine have emerged as the standout performers in this regard, while Ashwin’s struggles serve as a reminder that even experienced bowlers can face challenges in the high-scoring environment of T20 cricket.
