Bumrah has worst average in IPL 2026: What’s behind the rare drop? (Image: X) Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the best bowlers in the world today, but surprisingly, his average is currently among the worst in this IPL season. Bumrah lost a wicket in his first five games and didn’t get his first wicket until the sixth game against Gujarat Titans, dismissing Sai Sudharsan on the very first ball he bowled in that game.Prior to this match, Bumrah struggled and went wicketless in Mumbai Indians first five games against Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. His wicket of Sudharsana, who was dismissed for a golden duck, helped set the tone for Mumbai Indians’ win as Gujarat Titans suffered a heavy 99-run defeat.
Watch
“We didn’t play good cricket” – Mahela Jayawardene after MI’s biggest IPL loss vs CSKBumrah has historically dominated some of the greatest T20 batsmen. He never conceded a six to the likes of Travis Head and Sanju Samson, but both managed to hit him for sixes during this rough phase in IPL 2026. Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also took it up, smashing two sixes in a single over. This highlights the lean patch Bumrah is currently undergoing.Bumrah’s current IPL bowling average is 132, which is the worst in his T20 career. Compared to other bowlers who have bowled 30+ overs this season, his average is almost double, making him one of the weakest bowlers for Mumbai Indians. This dip in form could be one of the reasons why Mumbai Indians struggled to maintain the pace.Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, it was only the second time in IPL history that Mumbai Indians failed to defend a total of 200 or more, and the first time at the Wankhede Stadium. In that match, Bumrah conceded 54 runs in his four overs, with Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Salil Arora hitting him for sixes. It is rare to see Bumrah conceding so many sixes, especially in situations where his team relies on him the most.
What is behind Jasprit Bumrah’s struggle?
Bumrah entered IPL 2026 after an intense and busy international schedule that included the Asia Cup, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, series against Australia and South Africa and a demanding five-match Test series in England. He bowled 119 overs in three matches during this England tour alone despite recovering from a long-term back problem.Cricket experts have pointed out several possible reasons for his dip in form. Some believe that Bumrah may not have rested enough after non-stop international cricket, while others suggest that he was struggling to find his usual rhythm and lengths.Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth was blunt in his assessment after Bumrah’s outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad:“Bumrah doesn’t get that zip at all. Not a single delivery looked threatening. Maybe he’s tired so I don’t blame him. But he’s clearly not at his best. He’s trying but he looks very ordinary.” His statement narrates that Bumrah may be exhausted after being bundled out.On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the mental aspect of the game. During Bumrah’s wicketless run in the first five matches, Ashwin suggested that external narrative and pressure may have affected his rhythm.“I still think Bumrah played really well in the first two matches but then the team started losing. Then the narrative also started that Bumrah was not getting wickets. It was probably playing in his head,” Ashwin said, adding that Bumrah’s best may still be around the corner.Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has also chipped in, suggesting that Bumrah’s body may not be fully supporting him at the moment and that a short break could help him regain peak fitness.Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard played down concerns over Bumrah’s form. He emphasized that a pacer is human and occasional slumps are natural and urged people to remember his immense contributions to the team over the years.Here’s a look at the bowling averages this season among players who bowled 30 or more overs along with their averages and economy rates:-BowlerOversRunsWicketsAverage EconomyJasprit Bumrah302642132.008.80Arshdeep Singh30329841.1210.96Mohammed Shami31250735.718.06Mohammed Siraj2.27689 Khan332741027.408.30Kagiso Rabada353381424.149.65Jofra Archer332741419.508.27Eshan Malinga312841518.939.16Prince Yadav30264218neBvshwar Kumar352641715.527.54In contrast, during IPL 2025, Bumrah led the Mumbai Indians bowling attack with an outstanding season, taking 18 wickets in 12 matches. Despite missing the first four games with a back injury, he bounced back strongly and delivered what many analysts considered his most economical season, maintaining a 6.68 ERA, the best in the league among pitchers with 10+ strikeouts.
Vote
Do you believe Jasprit Bumrah will bounce back in the upcoming matches?
Prior to the IPL, Bumrah was a key figure in the Indian national cricket team’s successful title defense at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in 8 matches. His campaign culminated in the final on 8 March 2026, where he was named man of the match for his outstanding 4/15 against the New Zealand national cricket team. Earlier, in the match against England at the Wankhede Stadium, he reached the milestone of 500 international wickets by dismissing Harry Brook with the very first ball.
