Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has revealed how Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could have signed Jasprit Bumrah during the 2014 IPL auction, years before the fast bowler established
himself as one of the finest pacers in world cricket.
During a recent interview with Aakash Chopra, Parthiv recalled recommending Bumrah to the RCB management on the first day of the auction. The former cricketer believed that the young fast bowler had the potential to become an exciting talent and wanted the franchise to consider bringing him into their squad.
However, his recommendation did not lead to the move he had hoped for, and Bumrah eventually continued his journey with Mumbai Indians (MI).
Parthiv Patel wanted RCB to pick Jasprit Bumrah
Parthiv, who represented RCB during the 2014 IPL season, revealed that he had sent a message to the franchise’s owners, highlighting Bumrah’s potential and suggesting that they should pick him at the auction.
At that stage, Bumrah was still a young prospect looking to establish himself in the IPL. His unorthodox bowling action and ability to trouble batters made him an exciting talent, but his future achievements were yet to unfold.
Parthiv believed RCB could benefit from investing in the young pacer. However, the suggestion did not translate into a signing, leaving the franchise to miss out on a player who would go on to become one of India’s most successful fast bowlers.
Bumrah and Kohli would’ve played together for RCB…Parthiv’s recommendation didn’t find takers at RCB then.
Mumbai Indians snapped him at the auction and the rest, as they say, is history.
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— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 9, 2026
Jasprit Bumrah became a key player for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians continued to back Bumrah, and the decision proved to be one of the most significant investments in the franchise’s history. Over the years, the pacer developed into a match-winner across formats, playing a crucial role in India’s international success and Mumbai Indians’ IPL campaigns.
Bumrah’s rise also highlighted the importance of identifying and backing young talent before it reaches its full potential.
