Jasprit Bumrah’s return to competitive cricket has brought a wave of relief and celebration among Mumbai Indians (MI) fans and the larger cricketing community, and during the IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, his presence was felt both in his measured bowling performance and in an amusing off-field moment that perfectly blended strategy with comedy. Bumrah, who had been sidelined for over three months due to a back injury sustained during India’s tour of Australia, is slowly finding his rhythm again. Against SRH, he bowled a clinical spell, finishing with figures of 1/21 in his four overs, a trademark performance that saw him apply the brakes on a free-flowing SRH batting unit and pick up the prized wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, one of the most dangerous strikers in the opposition lineup.

However, while Bumrah was making his mark on the field, the Mumbai Indians’ dugout became the center of an unexpected, hilarious moment. Cameras caught the coaching staff trying to convey a message to MI skipper Hardik Pandya during the match. It was the 16th over of SRH’s innings, a crucial juncture where the need for an experienced, death-overs bowler was evident. With Bumrah having already bowled two overs during the powerplay and one earlier in the innings, the MI think tank clearly wanted him back into the attack. What followed was a moment of light-hearted improvisation and camaraderie that had social media buzzing.

Coach Mahela Jayawardene was seen animatedly trying to get Pandya’s attention, motioning from the dugout, but his efforts didn’t yield an immediate response from the field. Stepping in with a comedic flair was MI’s batting coach and former all-rounder Kieron Pollard. The towering West Indian, known for his entertaining personality and deep bond with his former teammates, decided to up the ante and make things unmistakably clear. Pollard began mimicking Jasprit Bumrah’s unmistakable bowling action — complete with the stuttering run-up and unique release style — in an exaggerated, humorous manner. His performance instantly drew chuckles from the rest of the MI bench and cricket fans watching the match alike.

Pollard’s impromptu impression wasn’t just accurate — it was also effective. His animated attempt to relay the message visually was both a tribute to Bumrah’s instantly recognizable action and a creative workaround to sideline communication barriers. It also served as a testament to the informal, yet highly connected dynamic within the MI camp, where fun and focus co-exist. While Pollard mimicked his former teammate with gusto, Mahela Jayawardene looked on, seemingly amused but also invested in making sure the captain got the cue.

Adding to the moment’s charm was the presence of Rohit Sharma, who was seated nearby as an impact substitute for the first innings. Rohit, always known for his calm demeanor and wry sense of humor, was caught on camera grinning at Pollard’s antics, clearly entertained by the theatrical messaging. Rohit’s smile summed up what many fans were feeling — that despite the high-pressure environment of the IPL, the team spirit and camaraderie remain strong and rooted in shared history and mutual respect.

Hardik Pandya, upon seemingly noticing the commotion in the dugout or perhaps having already made his own tactical decision, brought Bumrah back into the attack, much to the satisfaction of the coaches and the fans. It was the right move tactically, as Bumrah went on to tighten the screws in the final overs, ensuring that the SRH batters couldn’t capitalize on the slog phase.

The incident not only showcased the strategic depth of the MI coaching staff but also highlighted Pollard’s evolving role as a coach. Since retiring from active IPL play, Pollard has transitioned into the mentorship role with natural ease, bringing not just technical expertise, but also an emotional and humorous presence that bridges the gap between players and staff. His actions during the match were more than just comic relief — they reflected an understanding of how to communicate effectively in high-intensity scenarios, especially with players like Hardik Pandya, who share years of IPL history with Pollard.

Bumrah’s return, meanwhile, continues to be a focal point for MI’s IPL 2025 campaign. Having missed a significant chunk of cricket, the team and fans alike are counting on him to spearhead the bowling attack in the death overs. The match against SRH confirmed that while he may still be easing into peak form, his control, pace variation, and tactical nous remain intact.

The lighter moment involving Pollard, Jayawardene, and Bumrah became an instant viral hit on social media, with fans sharing clips and memes of Pollard’s impersonation. Cricket lovers across platforms praised the team’s spirit and lauded Pollard’s sense of humor. Some even joked that Pollard’s impersonation was good enough to earn him a spot as a Bumrah stunt double, should the need ever arise.

In a tournament as intense as the IPL, where results can be dictated by inches and seconds, it’s these brief, candid moments that bring the sport closer to fans. They remind everyone watching that beyond the statistics, scorecards, and strategies, cricket is still very much a game played by humans — full of emotion, history, and occasional hilarity.

The Mumbai Indians’ blend of world-class talent, tactical acumen, and infectious team chemistry has long been a part of their success story, and with players and coaches like Pollard in the mix, the franchise continues to offer moments that go beyond just cricket. The match against SRH was a reminder that sometimes, a bit of laughter — even in the middle of a tense game — is exactly what brings a team together.