Mumbai | West Indies’ explosive all-rounder Andre Russell has revealed that Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the most difficult bowler he ever faced in the Indian Premier League. Russell, who announced his retirement from the IPL earlier this week, said Bumrah’s precision and unpredictability made him his toughest opponent throughout his 14-season-long career.
Russell, who represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), admitted that Bumrah dismissed him more times than any other bowler in the league, prompting Mumbai Indians to strategically bring the fast bowler on as soon as he walked out to bat.
‘Bumrah Always Challenged Me’
“Bumrah has been the toughest bowler I’ve faced in the IPL,” Russell said. “He has got me out several times, although I’ve also managed to hit him on occasion. I enjoy such challenges. He is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.”
Bumrah has dismissed Russell four times in the IPL, a statistic the Caribbean star says reflects just how skilful the Indian pacer is with his mix of yorkers, slower balls, and bounce.
Mumbai Indians—A Rivalry Russell Relished
The 37-year-old all-rounder said he always enjoyed facing Mumbai Indians, a team known for its intense matchups with KKR.
“I love playing against most teams, but matches against Mumbai Indians were always special,” Russell added. “Whether they were at Eden Gardens or we were at the Wankhede, it always felt like stepping into a different kind of arena.”
A Powerful IPL Legacy
Across 16 innings, Russell scored 260 runs against Mumbai Indians, averaging 18.57 with a blazing strike rate of 148.57. One of his most memorable knocks came at Eden Gardens, where he blasted an unbeaten 80 off 40 balls.
Russell’s retirement marks the end of an era for IPL fans, with the all-rounder remembered for his game-changing power-hitting, electric fielding, and match-winning spells. As he steps away from the tournament, his praise for Bumrah underscores the competitive spirit that defined many iconic IPL battles.
