Jasprit Bumrah (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) Nothing seems to be working for star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2026. In five matches so far, Bumrah has conceded 164 runs without taking a single wicket. He missed runs at an economy rate of 8.63.Known for dominating overs, rattling the stumps and producing toe-crushing yorkers, the right-arm fast bowler has surprisingly struggled to come into his own this season.So what is the reason for Bumrah’s slump in IPL 2026?The question gained further attention after he returned figures of 0/41 against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. It was the fifth game in a row this season in which the ace pacer failed to take a wicket.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan explained the cause of Bumrah’s poor form, pointing out that the Mumbai Indian bowls too many slower deliveries and is paying the price.“Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling wickets are very important. There is no major problem with his form but his average speed this season has been around 130 kmph. He has used the slower ball about 44 per cent of the time, which means almost every other ball is slower,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.“Why is Jasprit Bumrah doing this now? I think it needs a deeper look. If he aims faster and reduces the percentage of slower balls, the results will come. It’s a very simple solution. Bumrah doesn’t need coaching, but the numbers show what’s going on,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2026:
MatchBowling FiguresGroundMI vs PBKS0/41WankhedeMI vs RCB0/35WankhedeMI vs RR0/32GuwahatiMI vs DC0/21DelhiMI vs KKR0/35Wankhede“44 per cent slower balls and an average speed below 130km/h means he needs to pick up the pace. Obviously, if you bowl slower, your average speed will go down. But if you reduce the percentage of slower balls to around 35 per cent. If you keep it around 30-35 per cent and bowl faster, your slower balls become more effective as a swing and a swing,” concluded Pathan.Mumbai Indians have now slumped to their fourth straight defeat this season. The five-time champions are languishing in ninth place in the points table.They will next face Gujarat Titans on April 20.
