‘Very Average’: Ashwin Criticises Hardik’s Bowling Selection, Defends Bumrah Amid Wicketless Run

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back in his assessment of Mumbai Indians’ tactical decisions, questioning skipper Hardik Pandya for his bowling choices while also backing Jasprit Bumrah despite his ongoing wicketless streak.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin revisited a 2024 game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where Rajat Patidar had dominated leg-spinner Mayank Markande, smashing four sixes in an over under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar.

Ashwin drew parallels with a recent Mumbai Indians game, questioning the decision to introduce Markande against a batter known for his prowess against spin.

"This SRH vs RCB 2024 game was where Rajat Patidar announced that he is a spin hitter. He was hitting Markande into every corner," Ashwin said in the video.

What made Ravichandran Ashwin highlight the costly spell of MI spinners?

Ashwin termed the move tactically flawed, pointing out that it played directly into the batter’s strengths.

"Rajat Patidar is a monster hitter against spinners. When he came to bat, you gave the ball to Markande straight away? Not the smartest of moves. Very, very average."

"It is very important to understand what Markande thinks. Patidar hit him and washed him in Hyderabad, and here, he hit him from the very first ball again."

Markande conceded 40 runs in just two overs at an economy rate of 20.00, while Mitchell Santner also proved expensive, giving away 43 runs in his full quota. Mumbai’s spinners combined to concede 83 runs in six overs.

"Here, the difference is between 210 and 240. Mayank Markande: two overs, 40 runs. Today, the spinners went for 83 runs total. I think Santner went for 43 as well," Ashwin noted.

Why is Jasprit Bumrah’s wicketless streak in IPL a concern despite his control?

Meanwhile, Bumrah’s rare lean patch has extended across seasons.

The pacer has gone wicketless in five consecutive IPL matches, including the last game of IPL 2025 and four matches in IPL 2026. According to CricViz, he has bowled 122 deliveries without a wicket, the longest such streak of his IPL career.

In Mumbai Indians’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, Bumrah returned figures of 0 for 35 in four overs, emerging as the side’s most economical bowler even as RCB piled up 240 for 4.

Ashwin, however, dismissed concerns around Bumrah’s lack of wickets, stressing the importance of his control and execution.

"The lack-of-wickets narrative for Bumrah can hamper the team's cause. Him nailing yorkers and choking the opposition for every single run is even more important than him looking to get wickets, especially at venues like the Wankhede," Ashwin said.

"When you can't bowl overs on the trot, your wicket-taking ability depends on your partners who hand the over to you. We have had so many years of T20 cricket now, and bowling in partnerships as a defensive group is still a seed in the minds of bowling units," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)