From Bench to Backbone Mukesh Kumar’s Yorker Masterclass in IPL 2025

Article posted on 23/04/2025

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Toe-crushing yorkers in bowling need pace and accuracy. In India, the art has been well mastered by Jasprit Bumrah, who is numero uno currently. Delhi Capitals' pacer Mukesh Kumar on Tuesday evening reminded his fans that he too was capable of turning it on when the mood suited him as it did against the Lucknow Super Giants.

Even after being hit for 12 runs in his opening over, which had a boundary and six by Aiden Markram, Kumar recovered impeccably and caught Mitchell Marsh, who was well-set, off guard with a precise yorker that struck the bottom of the off-stump. The prized wicket proved to be the decisive one for DC as LSG was unable to withstand the pressure and managed to score only 156/6. In response, DC pursued with eight wickets in hand in 17.5 overs with the target.

Returning to the delivery that got Marsh — even the batter appeared stunned at the sheer perfection of what had just happened. The ball broke back late, nipped under the bat even as it was descending and thudded into the base of the off-stump. It was a delivery that would have made Bumrah or even Waqar Younis proud.

Then, in the last over, after being hit for three consecutive boundaries, Kumar sent back Ayush Badoni and LSG captain Rishabh Pant to record his best figures of the season — 4/33. To both Badoni and Pant, he bowled full and straight balls to achieve the desired outcomes. He was also declared the Player of the Match.

A visibly pumped up Kumar was delighted that he was able to execute the ideal line when his team needed him to. "Enjoied bowling on this pitch a lot. Before I went to bowl my second over, I spoke with the other bowlers, and they said that it is settling a bit, so I tried to vary it," Kumar added after the game.

"I always talk to the skipper about my plans, whether I am bowling slower balls or yorkers. Mitchell Marsh's wicket was actually very important, and getting his wicket was actually very important for the team at that point of time," he further added.

DC opener Abhishek Porel, who made a crucial half-century against LSG during the match on Tuesday, heaped praise also on Kumar's accurate bowling. "Mukesh (Kumar) is one who supports his strength. He is very hardworking as an individual. He practices immensely on his yorkers," said Porel.

Kumar, who has been with DC plans for the past three consecutive seasons, has so far picked nine wickets in eight games this season. But a performance like this should make him much more confident for the remaining matches.

Delhi Capitals’ pace spearhead Mukesh Kumar has turned heads this IPL season, delivering thunderbolts with pinpoint yorkers that have left batters flailing and selectors grinning. In a tournament brimming with big names and bigger sixes, it’s Mukesh’s cold-blooded precision at the death that’s making the loudest noise.

After a modest start to the season, the 30-year-old seamer has found his rhythm, consistently defending totals and choking finishes with toe-crushers reminiscent of vintage Bumrah. With 15 wickets in his last 6 games—including a stunning 4/18 against the Mumbai Indians—Mukesh has catapulted himself into serious contention for India’s T20 World Cup squad.

From Bench to Backbone Mukesh Kumar’s Yorker Masterclass in IPL 2025

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