Jasprit Bumrah is having an uncharacteristically quiet Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with the MI skipper managing just three wickets in 10 matches. Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes the problem is not the effort but that Bumrah is trying to do too much and is losing his natural rhythm.
The decline was again noticeable during Mumbai Indians win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede, where Bumrah went wicketless for the seventh time this season, conceding 45 runs. MI chased down 229 with ease, but Bumrah’s spell stood out for the wrong reasons, including a 21-run over and another no-ball that cost him a wicket.
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In an interview with Star Sports, Gavaskar pointed out where things slip for the fast bowler.
“Bumrah is giving his best but he seems to be trying too many extra things. He is creating scoring chances but luck is not on his side. His pace has also gone down, he is overdoing things and that hurts him. He should go back to his basics and stick to what he does best. Trying new things is affecting his rhythm and luck is not helping him either.”
For a pitcher known for control and clarity, this phase was all about the little things that repeatedly went wrong. A no-ball, a line drift, a slight dip in pace all add up, even on a night where MI are winning comfortably.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH BUMRAH IN IPL 2026?
Gavaskar’s explanation goes straight to the technical details behind Bumrah’s dip.
“His length on the slower ball has become fuller. The line that used to be aimed at the stumps is now coming down to the leg stump. He’s not known for bowling many no-balls, but he’s bowled six or seven this season.”
This shift was visible throughout the season. Bumrah conceded 329 runs in 37 overs at an economy of 8.89, using the slower balls much more often than usual.
Even when he created chances, things didn’t go his way. Against LSG, the breakthrough turned into a no-ball and in the next spell there was control, but no goals. It was a season where the odds were constantly stacked against him.
SHOULD I GIVE JASPRIT BUMRAH A REST?
Former India batting coach and all-rounder Sanjay Bangar believes that the solution may not be purely technical.
“We’re in this space where management can probably sit down and have an honest conversation. Ask him, ‘Do you feel 100% inside’; ‘do you want to take a break for a game or something,'” Bangar said.
The suggestion is based on the idea that Bumrah might benefit from taking a short break, resetting himself physically and mentally before coming back sharper for the final stretch.
“And when he says ‘no, I can go, I’m going to play,’ you’re probably going to see a better version of him because he’s going to push even harder,” Bangar added.
It’s a delicate balance for MI. They need Bumrah at his best, but the bigger question right now is whether simplifying his approach or even a short break is the key to getting him back there.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
May 5, 2026 12:18 PM IST
