Kamal Ghorui
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 has leaked runs at an economy rate of 8.63.The right-arm fast bowler, known for dominating the powerplay, rattling stumps and producing toe-crushing yorkers, has surprisingly struggled to make an impact this season.So what is the reason behind Bumrah’s slump in IPL 2026?That question gained further attention after he returned figures of 0/41 against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. It was the fifth straight match this season in which the ace pacer failed to pick up a wicket.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan explained the reason behind Bumrah’s poor form, pointing out that the Mumbai Indians spearhead has been bowling too many slower deliveries and paying the price for it.“Wickets from Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling are very important. There is no major issue with his form, but his average speed this season has been around 130 kmph. He has been using the slower ball about 44 per cent of the time, meaning almost every second ball is a slower one,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.“Now why is Jasprit Bumrah doing this? I think this needs a deeper look. If he bowls more fast deliveries and reduces the percentage of slower balls, the results will come. It is a very simple solution. Bumrah does not need coaching, but the numbers are showing what is happening,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2026:
| Match | Bowling Figures | Ground |
|---|---|---|
| MI vs PBKS | 0/41 | Wankhede |
| MI vs RCB | 0/35 | Wankhede |
| MI vs RR | 0/32 | Guwahati |
| MI vs DC | 0/21 | Delhi |
| MI vs KKR | 0/35 | Wankhede |
“44 percent slower balls and an average speed below 130 kmph means he needs to increase his pace. Obviously, if you bowl more slow deliveries, your average speed will drop. But if you bring the slower ball percentage down to around 35 percent. If you keep it around 30 to 35 percent and bowl more fast deliveries, your slower balls will become more effective. And if you also get seam and swing, then you can dismiss batters as well,” Pathan concluded.Mumbai Indians have now slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat this season. The five-time champions are languishing in ninth place on the points table.They will next face Gujarat Titans on April 20.
