Jasprit Bumrah has entered the record books of Test cricket, becoming the first-ever bowler to reach the 200 Test wickets mark with a lesser bowling average than 20. 

The Indian pacer reached the milestone after dismissing Travis Head for 1 in the second innings during the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

200 Test wickets for Jasprit Bumrah 🔥

No one in the history of Test cricket has reached the milestone with a better average than Bumrah’s 19.56! pic.twitter.com/73RXIX3qQC

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 29, 2024

Bumrah has etched his name in history for a bunch of records on the same day during Australia's second innings on day 4 of the Boxing Day Test. 

Jasprit Bumrah becomes the first-ever player to pick 200 test wickets an average below 20

Jasprit Bumrah, who is already leading the race as the highest wicket-taker of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, surpassed the likes of cricket greats such as Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, and Curtly Ambrose on Sunday.

However, Bumrah has reached the 200-wicket milestone in Test cricket with the best-ever bowling average of 19.56. In fact, of all the bowlers who have 200 wickets or more in Test cricket, Bumrah now has the best bowling average in Test cricket, which is below 20.

Lowest bowling average in Test cricket with a minimum of 200 wickets

Bumrah becomes fourth-fastest to reach 200 Test wickets

Jasprit Bumrah became the fourth-fastest bowler to take 200 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled, joining an elite group with the likes of Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn.

Jasprit Bumrah is the fourth-fastest to 200 Test wickets by balls bowled ⚡ pic.twitter.com/epHL0KV4v2

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 29, 2024

He has also crowned himself as the fastest Indian to reach 200 wickets with 8484 legal deliveries, surpassing Mohammed Shami, who reached the same milestone after 9896 deliveries.

Fastest to reach 200 Test wickets (In terms of balls bowled)

Bumrah has entered various pages of all the record books; as he became only the third pacer after Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to reach 150 wickets in the World Test Championship.

However, Bumrah has ended the day 4 with a figure of 4-56 (24) as Australia is batting on 228/9, leading by 333 runs.

Mumbai Indians have made IPL history by becoming the first team to defend a total of 200 or more runs in five consecutive matches. They have achieved this after beating Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs in the afternoon clash.

This record feat shows their strong batting line up supported by a confident and effective bowling attack that’s been handling pressure effortlessly.

Read Also | IPL Stats: Rohit Sharma stats as Mumbai Indians captain 

MI's streak

1. MI vs LSG, IPL 2025 Match 45 

Opener Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav smashed half centuries to set the tone as MI posted a formidable total of 215. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent bolt took crucial wickets to bowl out LSG for 161 and win by 54 runs.

2. MI vs DC, IPL 2025 Match 29

MI posted a total of 205 with an all-round bating performance and snatched the match out of DC's grasp with 3 consecutive runouts in the 19th over.

3. MI vs DC, IPL 2024 Match 20

Both the openers of MI fired as they posted a massive total of 234 and defended it by quickly chipping through their middle order with Gerald Coetzee standing out taking 4 wickets.

4. MI vs GT, IPL 2023 Match 57

Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 103 helped MI post 218 on the board. GT's top order failed to give a good start with Rashid Khan giving some hopes but came too late in the chase as MI won the match by 27 runs.

5. MI vs SRH, IPL 2021 Match 55

Ishan kishan and Suryakumar Yadav's innings helped MI post a massive total of 235 which was defended with an all-round bowling performance winning the match by 42 runs.

Reasons for the unbeaten record

• Aggressive Batting-  The top and middle-order batters have been consistently firing. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have laid solid foundations, while the likes of Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya have provided fireworks.
• Strategic Bowling- Jasprit Bumrah’s form has been a massive boost. Combined with the clever variations from Deepak Chahar, the pace of Trent Boult, and the all-round contributions from Hardik Pandya, MI has found a winning combination.
• Strong Leadership- Despite early criticisms, the leadership has found its rhythm. Smart field placements, timely bowling changes, and calm under pressure have played key roles in the streak.

Read Also | Top 5 game-changing factors that could send MI to IPL 2025 Playoffs

Coming up next for MI

After the win versus LSG, MI have climbed to number 3 position in the points table securing their 5th consecutive win in this tournament. The last time MI did that, they went on to win the title. The upcoming fixtures of MI:

If MI continues with their current form then they are surely one of the top contenders for the 2025 IPL title.

India started the Tri-Nation Women's ODI series with a winning note as they defeated the host Sri Lanka by 9 wickets. India chased down Sri Lanka's 148-run target with 56 balls remaining in the match after Indian spinners dominated the Sri Lankan batters in the first innings.

The match was initially interrupted by rain which resulted in the loss of overs, reducing to 39 overs a side. Indian announced their arrival with an impressively controlled victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium stadium, Colombo.

Indian spinners dominated the game from the start

The Sri Lankan team, batting first, struggled to build partnership and were bowled out for 147 in 38.1 overs. Indian bowlers dominated the entire first inning with Arundhati Reddy dismissing the Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and getting an early wicket for the team. It followed by an exceptional bowling performance leading to a constant flow of wickets, which completely shattered Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.

Sneh Rana was a star performer, who took 3 crucial wickets for India, with Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani taking 2 wickets each. Additionally, the on-field efforts of the Indian team was commendable in today's match.

During the second inning, India started off comfortably with the bat, without trying to rush things out. The opening pair, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, formed a partnership of 54 runs for the first wicket. Smriti Mandhana missed out on her 31st ODI half-century and was dismissed at 43 (off 46 balls). 

Harleen Deol came to bat next and played composed cricket, scoring 48 runs from 71 balls. Sri Lanka failed to take more wickets, and Harleen Deol sealed the win for India with her exceptional half-century from 62 balls.

Both teams fielded 2 debutants

Kashvee Gautam (22-year-old), who impressed the fans with her bowling for Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2025, along with the star of Delhi Capitals, Sree Charani (20-year-old), made their International debut for India in this match. Charani picked up 2 wickets with an economy of 3.25 in today's match.

Sri Lanka also handed debuts to Malki Madara and Piumi Badalge.

India's shield-like batting power 

The Indian batters showcased an amazing quality of batting in this format. Smriti Mandhana, along with Pratika Rawal, provided a good start in the initial overs. They kept the flow of runs going with their bat. Smriti departed at 43 (from 46 balls) while trying to loft the ball over the bowler (Inoka Ranaweera), and wasn't lucky enough to make it through.

Harleen Deol stepped in after the wicket and made no mistakes, adding 48 runs off 71 balls from her bat. Pratika Rawal scored 50 off 62 balls, putting the winning runs on the board for India.

It felt like Indian batters were quite difficult to get out and stood up like solid walls, without losing their wickets. 

Steady headstart for India

India's win has lift up the team's spirit and confidence to another level. This was also a glimpse of the solid form and composure that the players hold in this Tri-series squad. 

In today's match, each bowler had an economy below 5, and the batters were incredible in chasing down the total, without losing many wickets.

The challenge ahead for Sri Lanka 

This defeat against India serves as a reminder for Sri Lanka to assess and improve their shortcomings. They failed to build partnership throughout the game, which led to a low total on the board. Hasini Perera's 30 from 46 balls was the highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in this match. 

Immediate Reflections and Long-term Goals

This being the ODI World Cup year, the immediate reflections for both the teams would be to shape their strategies, set grounds and make effective adjustments with the stage of the Tri-Nation ODI series among India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

Score Summary

SL-W: 147 (38.1/39) | Kavisha Dilhari 25; Sneh Rana 8-31-3

IND-W: 149 (29.4/39) | Pratika Rawal 50* (62); Harleen Deol 48* (71)

Many Indian bowlers have distinguished themselves with their unique bowling styles, which sometimes have also been referred to as weird. In cricket, minor styles and actions like this can grab the attention of spectators and get them hooked. 

Jasprit Bumrah 

Jasprit Bumrah is among one of the anticipated names for this category. His unorthodox action with a hyperextended arm caught everyone's attention during his IPL debut for MI, back in 2013. 

Bumrah was trolled in the initial stage of his career for the kind of elbow placement and compact run-up in his bowling style, which looks odd.

Regardless of what people say, his action indeed adds a unique value to his incredible bowling.

Shivil Kaushik

Shivil Kaushik is an Indian spin bowler who played for Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016. He stood-out during his IPL debut because of his peculiar action that several spectators found bizarre.

His action closely resonates with the former South African cricketer Paul Adams, who was often described as a “frog in a blender.” Since then, Shivil became a mandatory part among Indian players with unusual bowling actions.

Read Also: Best bowling figure in IPL History: Akash Madhwal equals Kumble's record

Debashish Mohanty

The former Indian cricketer, Debashish Mohanty is an ideal fit for the list due to his open-chested action, appearing weird in a way. Mohanty’s action with his lanky frame was often considered more dangerous than his swing bowling.

This kind of action was quite exhausting, and he was once advised to bowl off-spin in order to save energy and prevent injuries.

Kedar Jadhav 

Kedar Jadhav, the former Indian off-spin bowler, is widely known for his unusual side-arm sling style. His hand almost aligned with the umpire’s belly at the time of releasing the ball, which resulted in slower deliveries with little bounce.

Jhadav’s extraordinary style as a spinner holds a solid place in the list for Indian players with unusual bowling actions.

K.C. Cariappa

K.C Cariappa is an Indian bowler, who played for teams like Kings XI Punjab, KKR and RR in IPL. He is known to be a “mystery spinner” with an unusual round-arm action. His ability to bowl off-spin without changing the grip was challenging for batsmen.

B.S Chandrashekhar

Legendary leg-spinner B.S Chandrashekhar had an unusual whipping action accompanied by a long and bouncy run up which was hard to predict for a batter. He is one of the Indian players with unusual bowling actions and the greatest leg-spinners.

Also Read: The Most Memorable Test Centuries in Cricket History

Kamran Khan

Kamran Khan is an Indian fast-medium bowler, who played for Rajasthan Royals and Pune Warriors in the early seasons of IPL. His slung action was a debatable topic of discussion back in the days.

Khan’s unusual action caused trouble for him as he had to face rehabilitation period when the matter of “illegal action” came into light.

Murugan Ashwin

Murugan Ashwin is an Indian spin bowler who gained recognition after his IPL debut for RPS in 2016. He later played for teams like MI, RR, PBKS and DC. His bowling action has a degree of mystery to it, with an unusual twist of the arm and wrist.

Read Also: Most Player of the Match awards in T20I cricket history

Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary is an Indian batter who occasionally bowls with a weird action. He was faced with trolling, and people called it strange after his bowling spell in a match in IPL 2018.

His action was also compared to the slingy style of Lasith Malinga, recreated as a spin bowler.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a festival of big hits, explosive innings, and jaw-dropping sixes since its inception in 2008. While many sixes are hit every season, only a few stand out for their sheer distance. 

These monstrous hits don’t just clear the boundary—they clear stadiums, dent roofs, and sometimes even disappear into the night. Here’s a rundown of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history, and the Players whose raw power made them unforgettable.

(10) Liam Livingstone - 117 meters (PBKS vs GT, 2022)

Liam Livingstone hit a 117-meter six at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. His raw, savage hitting came while representing the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans. Livingstone’s aggressive batting style added a new dimension to the IPL's power-hitting tradition.

In the 16th over, Livingstone launched Mohammed Shami’s short ball over deep midwicket. The sound off the bat, the launch angle, and the distance of the six were commendable. It was the longest six of the 2022 season and one of the most replayed moments on social media.

(9) Gautam Gambhir - 117 meters (KKR vs RR, 2013)

Known for his gritty batting and match-winning leadership, Gambhir was not the kind of player you would expect to smash 100+ meter sixes.

But he shocked everyone in 2013 when he struck a 117-meter six playing for KKR against the Rajasthan Royals. He picked up a short ball and hammered it deep into the stands — a 117-meter monster against S Sreesanth at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. 

The back-foot shot was so clean and powerful that it left everyone stunned, as it was unexpected from someone like Gautam Gambhir, who built his game on timing and not power-hitting. It proved that even the most technically correct batters can deliver a serious punch.

(8) Ben Cutting – 117 meters (SRH vs RCB, 2016)

During the 2016 IPL final between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ben Cutting smashed a full toss ball of Shane Watson over backwards square leg with a clean strike, and it measured a 117-meter six, making it not just long but legendary at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.   

What made it even more iconic was the situation of that match. Ben Cutting’s 39* runs off just 15 balls with 3 fours and 4 huge sixes gave SRH the final push to reach the total of 208 runs. He then came back with the ball to take 2 wickets, including Gayle and KL Rahul. His all-around performance earned him the Man of the Match award and helped SRH lift their maiden IPL trophy in 2016 under the captaincy of David Warner.

(7) Ross Taylor – 119 meters (RCB vs CSK, 2008)

Ross Taylor smashed a 119-meter six against his Kiwi team-mate Jacob Oram in the deep mid-wicket area. It came during the inaugural edition of IPL in the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Ross Taylor was representing RCB, and Jacob was playing for CSK. 

Taylor's technique – staying still and unleashing raw power – made this six particularly memorable, and it was so long that it made it to the list of Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.

While Ross Taylor may be remembered more for his classical stroke play and calm middle-order presence, that 119-meter six remains a loud reminder that underestimate his muscle, and he’ll send the ball into orbit.

(6) Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters (KXIP vs CSK, 2009)

Yuvraj Singh smashed a massive 119-meter six with his signature flick shot over the midwicket area against the delivery of Albie Morkel at the SuperSport Park Stadium in Centurion, South Africa. Yuvraj Singh, being one of the important players of Kings XI Punjab in that season, hit that six against Chennai Super Kings.

In the IPL 2009 season, Yuvraj wasn’t just clearing boundaries; he also made headlines with two hat-tricks as a part-time spinner. But moments like this, 119 meters six reminded everyone of what he did best: destroy bowling attacks with his power-hitting.

Unlike many power-hitters who rely on brute force, Yuvraj had a unique blend of timing and wristwork. This particular 119-meter six was a classic example—it looked casual, but it was massive.

(5) Chris Gayle – 119 meters (RCB vs PWI, 2013)

On April 13, 2013, known as the "Universe Boss", Chris Gayle, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, unleashed carnage with an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls with 13 fours and 17 sixes against Pune Warriors India, still the highest individual score in T20 history.

Among the 17 sixes he smashed that day, one stood out—a 119-meter monster six which came against the left-arm spinner Ali Murtaza, and everybody knew that this six would definitely make its entry in the unique list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.

Gayle picked up a tossed-up delivery and sent it sailing high over long-on, clearing the stadium roof.  What made the shot even more iconic was how casual it looked.

There was no slog, no overextension; just a flick of those massive shoulders. And that’s what sets Gayle apart. His sixes don’t just travel far; they leave dents in the minds of bowlers.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

(4) Robin Uthappa – 120 meters (RCB vs MI, 2010)

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Robin Uthappa hit a massive 120-meter six against the delivery of Dwayne Bravo, who was playing for Mumbai Indians. Often underrated in terms of raw power, Robin Uthappa hammered the full-length delivery, and it sailed over the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.

He shuffled slightly to the offside and struck the full delivery high over wide long-on. The white ball flew above the stadium, high over the concrete roof.

What made this 120-meter six remarkable was how clean the strike was. Uthappa didn’t muscle it; he timed it with perfection.

That’s what shocked everyone—how effortless it looked coming off the bat, yet how far it travelled. In an era dominated by big names like Gayle, Dhoni, AB De Villiers, and Pollard, Robin Uthappa quietly carved out his own moment of IPL glory with that 120-meter majestic six.

(3) Adam Gilchrist – 122 meters (KXIP vs RCB, 2011)

Adam Gilchrist’s 122-meter six in the 2011 IPL was a throwback to his peak days of fearless, no-nonsense hitting. Representing Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Aussie legend unleashed one of the biggest sixes in tournament history—a 122-meter six of pure, clean power.

The shot came at the Dharamsala ground, known for its high altitude and quick carry. Gilchrist capitalised on that, but this wasn’t a thin-air fluke—it was a full-blooded pull shot off Charl Langeveldt.

The ball rocketed into the mountainside air, disappearing deep into the stands beyond mid-wicket. Even by Gilchrist’s own explosive standards, this was massive. 

That innings was special in itself—Gilchrist smashed 106 off 55 balls in that match with 8 fours and 9 sixes, leading from the front with a captain’s knock. But the 122-meter six became one of the most talked-about moments, not just for its length but for the man who hit it.

(2) Praveen Kumar – 124 meters (RCB vs RR, 2008)

Praveen Kumar, mainly acknowledged for his swing bowling, shocked everyone by hitting a 124-meter six during the 2008 season when he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, against the Rajasthan Royals.

In that match, Kumar smashed a huge six off the bowling of Yusuf Pathan, sending the ball flying over long-on. This massive 124-meter six stands as one of the longest in IPL history and is the longest six ever hit by an Indian player in the IPL. 

It is important to point out that there is some variation in the reporting about the year and the opposing team for this six.

Some sources place the 124-meter six during a match against the Mumbai Indians in the year 2011, with Kumar hitting the huge six for Kings XI Punjab against Lasith Malinga. However, some reputable accounts put the 124-meter six at the 2008 match against the Rajasthan Royals. 

Regardless of the exact details, Praveen Kumar's 124-meter six remains a standout moment in IPL history, showcasing his unexpected power-hitting ability.

(1) Albie Morkel – 125 meters (CSK vs DC, 2008)

South African all-rounder Albie Morkel holds the record for the longest six in IPL history. Playing for Chennai Super Kings against Deccan Chargers, Morkel launched a delivery from Pragyan Ojha to an astounding 125 meters six, sending the ball onto the stadium roof at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

The shot was classic Morkel—high bat lift, full commitment, and insane raw power. What made it even more impressive was that it wasn’t a slog. It was a technically sound, full swing of the bat that met the ball perfectly in the slot. The bat speed generated by Morkel without much footwork—pure timing and raw strength.

Over 18 years later, no one has topped that 125-meter giant six, and it's a record that stands as a reminder of just how brutal Morkel could be when he found his arc. This 125-meter six by Albie Morkel tops the list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.

After enduring a tough stretch since IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians (MI) appear to have rediscovered their rhythm just when it matters most in IPL 2025. The five-time champions had a shaky start to the season, suffering early defeats, but they’ve begun to show why they’re one of the most successful franchises in league history. Having seen both glory and failure over the years, MI has mastered the art of staying composed under pressure and responding with tactical precision.

Climbing from the bottom of the table to 4th place with four consecutive wins, MI’s resurgence has been both timely and impressive. In this article, we break down the key reasons behind their comeback.

Mentality

Mumbai Indians management is well known for its methodical game style on the field. From structuring the playing eleven to utilising bowlers according to conditions, MI has mastered all these things. After a cruising victory against arch-rival Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MI batting coach Kieron Pollard revealed that they planned to use Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball against SRH and wanted to use Deepak Chahar against CSK. 

Read Also | IPL 2025: Where's What each team need to do to qualify for the playoffs

Return of Bumrah 

Best in the business — and the numbers prove it! 📊

Jasprit Bumrah has the BEST economy rate (6.91) among pacers with 300+ T20 wickets!
Deadly, disciplined, and damn near unplayable. 🐐#BumrahBoss #T20King #jaspritbumrah #LasithMalinga #T20Legend #LSGvsMI pic.twitter.com/lOYEHaJXL1

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) April 23, 2025

Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the early matches due to injury was a major setback for the Mumbai Indians, but his return has proven to be a turning point in their campaign.

Once he regained his rhythm, Bumrah quickly reminded everyone of his match-winning abilities with impactful spells. His bowling performances have been crucial — he returned figures of 0/29 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), followed by a tight 1/21 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and a vital 2/25 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

All-rounder skipper 

Mumbai Indians’ captain, Hardik Pandya, has been in exceptional form this season, contributing with both bat and ball. In just five innings, he has scored 104 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 170, demonstrating his explosive batting capabilities.

In addition to his batting prowess, Pandya has claimed 11 wickets, placing him firmly in the race for the Purple Cap. His all-around performances have been crucial in tight encounters, where his timely contributions with both bat and ball have helped Mumbai stay competitive.

Pandya’s ability to turn matches with his dynamic skills has proven his worth as a match-winner. His leadership, coupled with his brilliance, has been a key factor in Mumbai's success this season, and he continues to be a vital player for the team as they push for a playoff spot in IPL 2025.

Read Also | IPL Facts: Most Man of the Match Awards in IPL History

Vintage Rohit 

Rohit Sharma is steadily regaining his form, with his brilliant knock of 76* off 46 balls being exactly what the Mumbai Indians required to lay a solid foundation at the top of their batting order. This innings highlighted his ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships, something MI has relied on for success.

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Alongside him, Ryan Rickelton has shown encouraging signs of being able to deliver match-winning performances. His promising starts indicate that he could be the explosive partner Rohit needs at the top. Together, the opening duo holds the potential to dominate any bowling attack, creating a strong platform for MI's middle order to capitalise on.

If both Rohit and Rickelton continue in this form, they can prove to be a formidable force in the tournament, taking on some of the toughest bowling lineups in IPL 2025. This partnership could be a game-changer for MI as they aim for the playoffs.

Swashbuckling Suryakumar 

Suryakumar Yadav has regained his confidence and form in the middle order, showcasing his trademark 360° hitting abilities. The Mumbai Indians' star batter has been crucial in stabilising the innings and accelerating when needed. His match-winning knock of an unbeaten 68* off just 30 balls against Chennai Super Kings stands out as his best performance of IPL 2025 so far.

Read Also | BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement

Suryakumar's ability to adapt to various situations and play innovative shots has been pivotal in MI's resurgence. His aggressive batting style has been a game-changer, helping the team set strong totals and chase challenging targets.

With his current form, he remains a key player for MI as they push for a spot in the playoffs. If he continues this momentum, Suryakumar's contributions could be the driving force behind the Mumbai Indians' successful campaign this season.