Jasprit Bumrah’s start to IPL 2026 has raised eyebrows as the Mumbai Indians pacer has managed just three wickets in his first 10 appearances, despite featuring in all matches so far. The numbers have added pressure on a side that currently sits ninth in the standings, holding three wins and seven defeats.
Through this phase of the tournament, Bumrah’s bowling figures read an economy rate of 8.89 and a bowling average of 109.67, both of which are well outside the standards typically associated with him. With wickets proving hard to come by, the cost of runs has naturally increased, leaving Mumbai to look for answers as the league stage tightens.
What former players said about Bumrah’s slump
Irfan Pathan, speaking on JioHotstar, pointed to the sharp contrast between Bumrah’s previous season and the one unfolding now. Pathan highlighted that last year Bumrah took 18 wickets in 12 games while keeping an economy of 6.7, while this season has been far tougher, with only three wickets across 10 matches and an economy that has drifted upward.
Pathan also stressed how wicket-taking and run containment tend to move together in T20 cricket. In his view, once wickets fail to arrive, even a strike bowler can start bleeding runs more regularly. He added that Bumrah’s current bowling average sits around 105, calling it an outcome nobody would have expected from a bowler of Bumrah’s quality—particularly after his standout showing in the T20 World Cup.
Ravi Shastri, the former India head coach, offered a different angle, suggesting workload as a potential driver behind Bumrah’s struggles. Shastri said Bumrah has come into this IPL carrying a heavy burden from the Indian team over the last 12 months, and that the problem may not be purely physical.
According to Shastri, mental fatigue could be a significant factor as well. He urged Mumbai Indians to manage Bumrah’s workload carefully, warning that a dense two-year stretch lies ahead with multiple Test series and the 50-over World Cup coming up. In that context, Shastri said fitness and usage will need close monitoring to prevent burnout and protect performance.
How Mumbai Indians won their third match of the season
On Monday, Mumbai Indians recorded their third victory of the campaign, defeating Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.
- After opting to bowl first, Mumbai allowed Lucknow Super Giants to post 228 for five in their 20 overs.
- Nicholas Pooran top-scored with 63 off 21 deliveries, while Mitchell Marsh contributed 44 off 25 balls.
- Himmat Singh finished unbeaten on 40 off 31 as Lucknow reached a challenging total.
- In reply, Mumbai chased the target successfully in 18.4 overs.
- Openers Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma forged a strong start, combining for 143 runs for the first wicket.
- Rickelton struck 83 off 32 balls, and Rohit made 84 off 44 to guide the chase.
With playoff qualification beginning to look precarious, Mumbai Indians cannot afford another slip—one more defeat could severely damage their chances. Against that backdrop, the franchise will be keenly watching whether Bumrah can rediscover his form in the remaining fixtures of IPL 2026, turning the focus back to the wicket-taking impact that has defined his career.
