Star Mumbai Indians quick Jasprit Bumrah has found it difficult to translate his usual impact into results in IPL 2026. Across his first five outings, he has conceded 164 runs and is yet to strike with the ball, with his economy sitting at 8.63—an uncharacteristic return for a bowler famed for dominating the powerplay and finishing spells with sharp yorkers.
The latest talking point came on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, where Bumrah returned 0/41 against Punjab Kings. That wicketless effort extended a worrying run: it marked his fifth straight match in IPL 2026 without picking up a single scalp.
Why Bumrah’s IPL 2026 slump is being questioned
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan suggested the issue is not necessarily about Bumrah’s overall form, but rather about how he is delivering the ball—specifically the balance between pace and slower balls.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said Bumrah’s bowling effectiveness hinges on his ability to maintain speed, and that his current numbers show he is using too many slower deliveries.
Pathan highlighted that Bumrah’s average speed this season has been around 130 km/h and that he has leaned on the slower ball roughly 44% of the time. With almost every second delivery coming off as a slower one, Pathan argued that batters have more time to adjust and attack the bowler’s rhythm.
In Pathan’s view, the solution is straightforward: Bumrah should bowl more genuine pace and reduce the share of slower balls to bring back the threat of his variations. He added that coaching may not be the primary requirement, since the numbers themselves point to what needs changing.
He also linked the need for higher pace with the broader goal of getting seam and swing, which would make his slower-ball tactic more damaging while also helping him take wickets again.
Bumrah’s wicket drought: match-by-match figures
- MI vs PBKS (Wankhede): 0/41
- MI vs RCB (Wankhede): 0/35
- MI vs RR (Guwahati): 0/32
- MI vs DC (Delhi): 0/21
- MI vs KKR (Wankhede): 0/35
Pathan summed up the key point by stressing that 44% slower balls coupled with an average speed under 130 km/h indicates the need to increase pace. He said lowering the slower-ball percentage to around 35%—or keeping it in the 30 to 35% range—would make those deliveries more effective, especially if Bumrah can pair that with seam and swing to trouble and dismiss batters.
Mumbai Indians’ slide continues
With Bumrah still searching for his first wicket of the season, Mumbai Indians have now suffered their fourth consecutive defeat. The five-time champions are currently placed ninth in the points table.
Next, Mumbai Indians are set to take on Gujarat Titans on April 20.
