A viral stat doing the rounds on social media suggests that the Indian Test team performs better without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI. On paper, it seems staggering: since Bumrah’s debut in January 2018, India have won 70% of their matches without him, compared to just 43% when he plays.
But as the old saying goes — "statistics often hide more than they reveal" — and a deeper dive into the numbers reveals why this notion is not only misleading, but completely off the mark.
Bumrah, who returned to the Indian XI for the third Test at Lord’s after being rested for workload management, has been a central figure in India’s overseas success.
Do Statistics Justify Bumrah's Presence?
The pacer has played 46 Tests since his debut, with 34 of them coming in the more challenging SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions. These are venues where India have historically struggled to win, and where Bumrah’s inclusion has often been essential.
Let’s break down the win-loss record. India’s 46 Tests with Bumrah have come against strong opposition in tough conditions: 12 in Australia, 10 in England, eight in South Africa, and two each in New Zealand and the West Indies. Out of these, India have won 20 and lost 22.
SENA Countries Performance
Importantly, Bumrah has been involved in 10 of India’s 30 all-time wins in SENA countries — a tally only bettered by Cheteshwar Pujara (11).
By contrast, 18 of the 27 Tests played without Bumrah have been in India — where the team has dominated irrespective of the bowling lineup, thanks largely to spinning conditions that suit their strengths. Only six of those 27 matches came in SENA countries.
It's no surprise, then, that India's win percentage shoots up to 70% in Bumrah’s absence — the conditions themselves have been inherently more favourable.
The Game Of Match:Wicket Ratio
Even within the defeats India have suffered with Bumrah in the team, the fast bowler has delivered consistently. In 22 matches lost, Bumrah has taken 78 wickets at an average of 27.16 — the best economy for any Indian bowler in more than 10 losing Test matches. In matches India won, his stats are even more staggering: 110 wickets in 20 wins at a phenomenal average of 14.50 — the best among Indian bowlers with at least seven Test victories.
The fact that Bumrah’s home appearances have been limited — only 12 out of his 46 Tests have come in India — skews the picture further. India have rarely needed to deploy their pace ace at home, where spin is the dominant force. But his inclusion in recent home series reflects how his skill set has become indispensable across conditions.
