Kamal Ghorui
Mumbai Indians fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has taken only three wickets in IPL 2026 despite playing all 10 matches so far. His form has been a concern for the team, which is placed ninth on the points table with three wins and seven losses.Bumrah has gone at an economy rate of 8.89 and has an average of 109.67 this season.Speaking on JioHotstar, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan spoke about Bumrah’s form.“Last season, Jasprit Bumrah picked up 18 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of just 6.7. This season, though, he has really struggled. He has only 3 wickets in 10 games, and his economy is on the higher side as well. When wickets don’t come, the economy rate naturally suffers. Right now, his bowling average is 105. Nobody expected a bowler of Bumrah’s class to have such poor numbers. Especially after his brilliant performance in the T20 World Cup, watching him struggle like this is very painful,” said Pathan.Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also spoke about possible reasons behind Bumrah’s form.“Bumrah has entered this IPL off the back of a heavy workload with the Indian team over the last 12 months. His struggles are not just physical. Mental fatigue is a big reason. Mumbai Indians need to look after him. Over the next two years, there is a packed schedule, multiple Test series and the 50-over World Cup are coming up. So, his fitness and workload will have to be managed very carefully,” Shastri said.Mumbai Indians got their third win of the season on Monday when they beat Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.After choosing to bowl first, MI conceded 228 for five in 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran scored 63 off 21 balls, Mitchell Marsh made 44 off 25 balls, and Himmat Singh remained not out on 40 off 31 balls.In reply, Mumbai Indians chased down the target in 18.4 overs. Openers Ryan Rickelton (83 off 32 balls) and Rohit Sharma (84 off 44 balls) added 143 runs for the first wicket.Mumbai Indians now face a situation where another loss could end their playoff chances. In this context, the team will need Bumrah to return to form in the remaining matches.
