diff --git a/src/hb-ot-shape-complex-indic.cc b/src/hb-ot-shape-complex-indic.cc
index 9868b5efb..174e3a9d8 100644
--- a/src/hb-ot-shape-complex-indic.cc
+++ b/src/hb-ot-shape-complex-indic.cc
@@ -363,11 +363,9 @@ initial_reordering_consonant_syllable (const hb_ot_map_t *map, hb_buffer_t *buff
       info[i].indic_position() = info[i - 1].indic_position();
 
   /* We do bubble-sort, skip malicious clusters attempts */
-  if (end - start > 20)
-    return;
-
   /* Sit tight, rock 'n roll! */
-  hb_bubble_sort (info + start, end - start, compare_indic_order);
+  if (end - start < 20)
+    hb_bubble_sort (info + start, end - start, compare_indic_order);
 
   /* Setup masks now */