Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the best bowlers in world cricket today. However, his performance in the current Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been surprisingly below par. His bowling average is among the worst in the tournament, a stark contrast to his usual standards.
Bumrah's Wicketless Start and First Breakthrough
Bumrah went wicketless in his first five matches of IPL 2026. He finally claimed his first wicket in the sixth game against Gujarat Titans, dismissing Sai Sudharsan with the very first delivery he bowled in that contest. Before this, he had struggled against Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings, failing to take a single wicket.
The wicket of Sudharsan, who was out for a golden duck, helped set the tone for Mumbai Indians' victory. Gujarat Titans suffered a heavy 99-run defeat in that match.
Historical Dominance vs Current Struggles
Bumrah has historically dominated some of the biggest T20 batters. He had never conceded a six to players like Travis Head and Sanju Samson in T20 cricket. However, during this rough phase in IPL 2026, both managed to hit him for sixes. Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also took him on, smashing two sixes in a single over. This highlights the lean patch Bumrah is currently experiencing.
Statistical Decline
Bumrah's current IPL bowling average stands at 132, the worst of his T20 career. Among bowlers who have bowled 30 or more overs this season, his average is nearly double that of others, placing him among the most underperforming bowlers for Mumbai Indians. This dip in form could be a significant reason why the team has struggled to maintain momentum.
Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, it was only the second time in IPL history that Mumbai Indians failed to defend a total of 200 or more, and the first time at Wankhede Stadium. In that match, Bumrah conceded 54 runs in his four overs, getting hit for sixes by Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Salil Arora. It is rare to see Bumrah conceding so many sixes, especially in situations where his team relies on him the most.
Possible Reasons for Bumrah's Struggle
Bumrah entered IPL 2026 after an intense and packed international schedule. This included the Asia Cup, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, series against Australia and South Africa, and a demanding five-match Test series in England. During the England tour alone, he bowled 119 overs across three matches, despite managing a long-standing back issue.
Cricket experts have pointed to multiple possible reasons for his dip in form. Some believe Bumrah may not have had adequate rest after continuous international cricket. Others suggest he has struggled to find his usual rhythm and bowling lengths.
Expert Opinions
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth was blunt in his assessment after Bumrah's outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad: "Bumrah is not getting that zip at all. Not one delivery looked threatening. Maybe he is tired, so I am not blaming him. But he is clearly not at his best. He is trying hard but looking very ordinary." His statement suggests that Bumrah might be exhausted after a packed schedule.
On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the mental aspect of the game. During Bumrah's wicketless run in the first five matches, Ashwin suggested that external narratives and pressure may have affected his rhythm. "I still think Bumrah bowled really well in the first two matches, but then the team started losing. Then the narrative also started that Bumrah was not getting wickets. That was probably playing on his mind," Ashwin said, adding that the best of Bumrah could still be around the corner.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif also weighed in, suggesting that Bumrah's body may not be fully supporting him at the moment. He added that a short break could help the pacer regain peak fitness.
Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians' batting coach, downplayed concerns over Bumrah's form. He emphasized that the pacer is human and occasional dips are natural, urging people to remember his immense contributions to the team over the years.
Bowling Averages Comparison (30+ Overs)
Here is a look at the bowling averages this season among players who have bowled 30 or more overs, along with their averages and economy rates:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 30 overs, 264 runs, 2 wickets, average 132.00, economy 8.80
- Arshdeep Singh: 32 overs, 329 runs, 8 wickets, average 41.12, economy 10.96
- Mohammed Shami: 31 overs, 250 runs, 7 wickets, average 35.71, economy 8.06
- Mohammed Siraj: 33 overs, 268 runs, 9 wickets, average 29.77, economy 8.12
- Rashid Khan: 33 overs, 274 runs, 10 wickets, average 27.40, economy 8.30
- Kagiso Rabada: 35 overs, 338 runs, 14 wickets, average 24.14, economy 9.65
- Jofra Archer: 33 overs, 274 runs, 14 wickets, average 19.50, economy 8.27
- Eshan Malinga: 31 overs, 284 runs, 15 wickets, average 18.93, economy 9.16
- Prince Yadav: 30 overs, 242 runs, 13 wickets, average 18.61, economy 8.06
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 35 overs, 264 runs, 17 wickets, average 15.52, economy 7.54
Contrast with Previous Season and International Form
During IPL 2025, Bumrah led the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack with an outstanding season, taking 18 wickets in 12 matches. Despite missing the first four games due to a back injury, he returned strongly and delivered what many analysts considered his most economical season. He maintained an economy rate of 6.68, the best in the league among bowlers with more than 10 wickets.
Before the IPL, Bumrah was a key figure in India's successful title defence at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in 8 matches. His campaign peaked in the final on March 8, 2026, where he was named Player of the Match for his outstanding figures of 4/15 against New Zealand. Earlier, in a match against England at Wankhede Stadium, he reached the milestone of 500 international wickets by dismissing Harry Brook with the very first ball.
