Jasprit Bumrah (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
NEW DELHI: Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been handed over to captain Mumbai Indians in the absence of regular skipper Hardik Pandya and stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. It was Bumrah’s first time leading a Mumbai Indians side, a franchise he has represented for over a decade.Bumrah’s first outing as Mumbai Indians captain proved to be a memorable one as he led the side to a six-wicket win over Punjab Kings. In a video posted by Mumbai Indians on social media, Bumrah was heard saying, “Nayak Dekha Hai? Ek Din ka Mukhya Mantri (Did you watch Nayak? CM For A Day)”Bumrah, who captained Mumbai Indians in the absence of Pandya and vice-captain Suryakumar, offered a parallel with the Bollywood film Nayak: The Real Hero, in which star actor Anil Kapoor becomes the chief minister for a day.The reference comes from a 2001 film that follows Shivaji Rao, a television cameraman who unexpectedly becomes the chief minister of a state for a day after challenging a corrupt politician during an interview. During his short tenure in power, he takes bold decisions against corruption and gains public support.Since his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2013, Bumrah has been an integral part of the franchise. Over the years he played 157 matches for MI and took 186 wickets.Was Bumrah leading the side for the first time?This was not the first time that Bumrah had captained the team. Earlier, he led India in both Tests and T20Is. His leadership experience includes leading India in two Tests during the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and the rescheduled Birmingham Test against England in 2022.Bumrah also captained India in two T20Is, with the team winning both matches under his leadership.After Mumbai Indians – already out of the IPL 2026 playoff race – secured victory, Bumrah was asked about his experience in managing the team during the post-match presentation.“Yes, the first match, as I said, I was the captain of the Test match. I was the captain of the T20Is. Now there is only ODI cricket left. But I don’t see it happening (laughs), jokes aside. Really happy. I had a good time, good weather, great ground. So I enjoyed it,” Bumrah said.
