Jasprit Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians spearhead who has built a reputation for unsettling elite batters, is facing an unusual trough in IPL 2026. Through the opening stretch of the season, the right-arm pacer has struggled to make breakthroughs, leaking runs while failing to find wickets. After another difficult outing, Mumbai’s campaign has continued to wobble, and attention has turned to what might be behind Bumrah’s drop in impact.
Key takeaways
- In IPL 2026 so far, Bumrah has conceded 164 runs across five matches without taking a wicket.
- His current economy rate stands at 8.63 as he searches for a return to wicket-taking form.
- Against Punjab Kings, Bumrah finished with figures of 0/41, extending the frustration around his spell.
- A video showing Bumrah collecting the ball after his over and throwing it in anger went viral.
- India all-rounder Irfan Pathan suggested Bumrah’s heavy reliance on slower deliveries may be contributing to the slump.
- Mumbai Indians have now suffered a fourth consecutive defeat and sit ninth in the points table, with the next match against Gujarat Titans on April 20.
Bumrah’s difficult start to IPL 2026
Bumrah’s early-season numbers have been stark for a bowler known for breakthroughs. Across five IPL 2026 matches, he has gone wicketless while giving away 164 runs, and his economy sits at 8.63. For a pacer whose ability to trouble top-order hitters is often decisive, the lack of wickets has stood out as much as the run concession.
There was hope of a reversal when Mumbai Indians faced Punjab Kings, but the turnaround never materialised. Bumrah returned 0/41, continuing the pattern of spells where batters were able to get through his attacking phases.
The emotional reaction after the over added to the sense that things were not going his way. Bumrah was seen in a viral clip picking up the ball after his delivery and throwing it away in visible frustration.
Pathan points to slower-ball usage as a potential cause
Irfan Pathan, who has been closely watching Bumrah’s performances, analysed the dip in form on his YouTube channel and offered a statistical angle. He said the wicket-taking element remains crucial for Bumrah, but argued that the pacer’s overall approach this season appears to have shifted.
Pathan noted that Bumrah’s pace, in his view, has not been at the level expected. He said Bumrah’s average speed this season is around 130 kmph, while the bowler has been using the slower ball roughly 44% of the time—making it, in Pathan’s words, a near-constant option.
“Wickets from Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling are very important. There is no major issue with his form, but his average speed this season has been around 130 kmph. He has been using the slower ball about 44 per cent of the time, meaning almost every second ball is a slower one,” Pathan said.
Pathan then questioned why Bumrah might be leaning so heavily on the slower delivery and suggested what he believed could restore effectiveness. His view: Bumrah should increase the volume of faster balls and reduce the proportion of slower ones so that the slower ball becomes more of a weapon rather than a frequent default.
He added, “Now why is Jasprit Bumrah doing this? I think this needs a deeper look. If he bowls more fast deliveries and reduces the percentage of slower balls, the results will come. It is a very simple solution. Bumrah does not need coaching, but the numbers are showing what is happening.”
Pathan further explained the kind of change he believes would help. With slower-ball usage at 44%, he said the average speed drops, and the slower ball becomes less impactful. He suggested bringing that percentage down to around 35%, or even in the 30–35% range, while bowling more fast deliveries so that the variation can regain its sting. He also pointed to the need for seam and swing to help generate dismissals again.
Pathan said, “44 percent slower balls and an average speed below 130 kmph means he needs to increase his pace. Obviously, if you bowl more slow deliveries, your average speed will drop. But if you bring the slower ball percentage down to around 35 percent. If you keep it around 30 to 35 percent and bowl more fast deliveries, your slower balls will become more effective. And if you also get seam and swing, then you can dismiss batters as well,” Pathan said.
Mumbai’s slide continues
The form slump has also had a direct effect on Mumbai Indians’ results. The franchise has now suffered a fourth successive defeat and finds itself in ninth place on the points table.
Next up, Mumbai Indians are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans on April 20.
