Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar did not retain Jasprit Bumrah after Mumbai Indians conceded three no balls against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. After topping the list for most wickets in T20 World Cup 2026, Bumrah is going through a lean patch in IPL 2026, with just three scalps in 10 games so far.
Although Mumbai Indians snapped their three-match losing streak against LSG, Bumrah’s struggle with the ball is one of the reasons for the Mumbai franchise’s slump in season 2026. Despite the win, Mumbai Indians are still languishing in ninth place with six points from 10 matches.
Against LSG, Bumrah not only failed to take a wicket but also bowled three no-balls, including two in one over. In his four overs, Bumrah conceded 45 runs without success with three no-balls and three wides. Commenting on the game, Gavaskar said that bowling no balls in T20 cricket is unacceptable.
“Don’t tell me that again. Don’t tell me that. Don’t tell me that Bumrah bowled a no-ball. That’s not acceptable. That’s not acceptable. You’re a professional cricketer; that’s not acceptable. Wides, yes, I understand, but no balls, no,” Gavaskar said on air.
Bumrah’s consecutive no-balls came in the 14th over of LSG’s innings. During that time, the cameras panned to the Mumbai Indians dugout where head coach Mahela Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Lasith Malinga looked dejected. “Yes, bowling coach. This is a big one,” Gavaskar remarked as the camera focused on Malinga.
“Bumrah seems to be trying too many extras”
After the game, Gavaskar analyzed Bumrah’s matches on JioStar. According to the legendary Gavaskar, Bumrah seems to be trying too many extra things. “Bumrah is giving his best but he seems to be trying too many extra things. He took a wicket after a strategic time-out but it was a no-ball. Then he bowled a few more off-balls,” Gavaskar said.
“He is creating wicket chances but luck is not on his side. His pace has also gone down. His length transition to the slower ball has become fuller. The line that used to target the stumps is now drifting towards the leg stump. He is not known for bowling many no-balls, but he has had six or seven this season. He has tried bowling which has not worked at longer lengths.
“He’s overdoing it and it’s hurting him. He should go back to his basics and stick to what suits him best. Trying new things affects his rhythm and luck doesn’t help him either. It will only take one or two matches. Once he starts picking up wickets, he’ll be back on track. But Bumrah needs to keep it simple and stop complicating his bowling,” added Gavaskar.
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