Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 campaign continues to raise concerns, with Jasprit Bumrah’s form becoming a major talking point. The premier fast bowler has featured in all five matches but has yet to pick up a wicket this season. His struggles were evident again at the Wankhede Stadium, where MI failed to defend 195 against Punjab Kings, with Bumrah returning figures of 0/41 in his four overs.
There have also been questions around Bumrah’s pace, which has largely hovered in the 130 kmph range. Addressing the concern, head coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed that the pacer has been managing a niggle carried over from India’s T20 World Cup campaign.
“I think initially because he had a slight niggle which came from the World Cup,” Mahela Jayawardene said. “We wanted to build him up (and) over the last few games his speeds have gone up. We’ve looked at all that so he’s very comfortable. Sometimes, you need a bit of luck as well.”
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Backing his strike bowler, Jayawardene insisted Bumrah has been bowling well despite the lack of wickets.
“Bumrah is bowling well, it is just where we are not putting pressure in the powerplay. They (opposition) know they don’t need to take too much risk against Bumrah. We tried a few different things which he is trying as well but they are batting well. I can’t put a finger (on something) and say that he hasn’t taken a wicket.”
He also highlighted moments where Bumrah came close to breakthroughs but didn’t get the desired results.
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“(Bumrah) bowled some really good balls initially to Shreyas (Iyer) but wasn’t lucky enough. Once he starts taking wickets he might not be able to stop him doing that.” Mahela Jayawardene admitted that the issue extends beyond one individual, with the bowling unit lacking penetration across conditions. “…as a (bowling) unit, like I said before, we’ve lacked that penetration in different surfaces and that’s something that we need to work (on) and see what we need to do.”
Mumbai Indians now sit ninth on the IPL 2026 points table, having lost four of their five matches. Their upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans could be crucial in shaping their campaign.
