Jasprit Bumrah finally got his moment in the IPL captain’s seat as Mumbai Indians named him skipper for their IPL 2026 meeting with Punjab Kings. The veteran pacer stepped in because both Hardik Pandya (the regular captain) and Suryakumar Yadav (the stand-in captain) were unavailable, making this Bumrah’s first time leading the franchise in the league.
Bumrah’s maiden MI captaincy and the win over Punjab Kings
Guiding the Mumbai Indians side with the responsibility of a first-time IPL captain, Bumrah delivered a result to remember. Under his leadership, MI recorded a six-wicket victory against Punjab Kings.
A video shared by Mumbai Indians on social media captured Bumrah speaking during the occasion. He was heard saying: “Nayak Dekha Hai? Ek Din ka Mukhya Mantri [Have you watched Nayak? CM For A Day].”
In that remark, Bumrah drew a comparison to the Bollywood film Nayak: The Real Hero, starring Anil Kapoor, where the actor plays a character who becomes Chief Minister for a day.
The film reference behind Bumrah’s message
The context of Bumrah’s comment ties back to the 2001 film’s storyline. It centres on Shivaji Rao, a television cameraman who unexpectedly ends up as Chief Minister of a state for a single day. His sudden rise comes after he challenges a corrupt politician during an interview.
During his short spell in power, the character takes firm action against corruption and also earns the backing of the public.
Not Bumrah’s first leadership role: Tests and T20Is for India
While this was Bumrah’s inaugural IPL captaincy, it was not the first time he had worn a leadership role for a national side. He has previously captained India in both Tests and T20Is.
- Bumrah led India in two Tests during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
- He also captained India in the rescheduled Birmingham Test against England in 2022.
- In T20Is, he captained the team in two matches, with India winning both games under his captaincy.
MI journey, match-day emotions, and career numbers
Bumrah’s connection with Mumbai Indians dates back to his debut in 2013. Over the years, he has become a key figure for the franchise, playing 157 matches for MI and taking 186 wickets.
After Mumbai Indians—who were already out of the IPL 2026 playoff picture—secured the victory, Bumrah was asked about what it felt like to lead the team during the post-match presentation.
He responded: “Yeah, first game, like I said, I’ve captained a Test match. I’ve captained T20Is. Now the only game that is left is ODI cricket. But I don’t see that happening (laughs), but jokes apart. Really happy. I had good fun, good weather, great ground. So enjoyed my time.”
