Pollard Backs Bumrah Amid Wicket Drought, Focuses on Team Performance
Mumbai Indians' batting coach Kieron Pollard has emphatically stated that the team is not overly concerned about star pacer Jasprit Bumrah's inability to take a wicket in the first three matches of IPL 2026. Bumrah has conceded 88 runs in 11 overs across these games, maintaining an economy rate of 8.00. Ahead of MI's fourth match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night, Pollard highlighted the importance of Bumrah's economical bowling in the current high-scoring tournament environment.
Defending the Premier Pacer
"If you watch the game that is being played presently, the ball is frequently sailing over the boundary ropes. In such scenarios, sometimes the best form of attack is also a solid defence," Pollard explained during a press conference on Saturday. He continued, "We are not dwelling too much on the wicketless nature of Jasprit Bumrah's performances. He is a world-class bowler who has consistently delivered for both India and the Mumbai Indians over the years. When the crucial moment arrives to secure wickets, he will undoubtedly deliver. Even if that does not happen, and he remains economical, we will gladly accept that contribution as well."
When reminded that Bumrah has now gone wicketless in MI's last four matches, including a spell of 0-40 in four overs during the second qualifier of IPL 2025 against Punjab Kings, Pollard responded with a relaxed attitude, saying, "It's perfectly fine. This streak could extend to Game 6 as well!"
Addressing Pace Concerns and Team Philosophy
In the recent match, Bumrah's bowling speed appeared to be around 130 km/h at most. Pollard vigorously defended the premier pacer against any criticism regarding his pace. "Regarding the pace and any perceived lack thereof, if the ball is being hit out of the ground at high speeds, you do not necessarily want to fight fire with fire, right? You have to experiment with different strategies," Pollard elaborated.
He further emphasized, "Once again, I reiterate that we are not concerned about Bumrah. There are absolutely no issues. While analysts may delve into the intricacies of data, pace, and wicket counts, we focus on the bigger picture. Cricket is fundamentally a team sport. Our priority is to unite as one unit and strive for the desired outcome at the end of the day. Bumrah is fit, firing, and ready. For everyone's benefit, I hope he claims five wickets tomorrow with an economy rate around five. That would certainly make us very happy."
Update on Will Jacks' Arrival and Praise for Young Talent
Jacks Set to Join MI Camp Soon
The absence of English all-rounder Will Jacks from the Mumbai Indians camp has been a topic of discussion. The 27-year-old, who earned four Player of the Match awards during the 2026 T20 World Cup, is also set to miss MI's fourth match in IPL 2026. Providing a clear update, Pollard stated, "We expect him to join us very soon."
Jacks' delayed arrival has sparked debate within the cricketing community, with legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar questioning the commitment of overseas players to the IPL amidst a trend of late arrivals and high-profile absences.
Pollard's Advice on Handling Young Prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi
When asked if 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi reminded him of his own explosive batting style, Pollard showered praise on the youngster but also issued a cautionary note. "At 15 years of age, I was still in school playing club cricket, uncertain about my future career. It is incredibly exciting to witness a young talent taking the world by storm. He is leveraging his youthful exuberance to great advantage, and I hope this continues for him and for Indian cricket," Pollard complimented.
He stressed, "However, one thing I always emphasize is that we should not merely jump on the bandwagon when he is performing brilliantly. If he encounters a couple of failures and opponents start figuring him out, we must not discard him and forget all about him. That is my biggest fear as a former cricketer—the tendency to ride the hype wave and then abandon support when challenges arise. He is a remarkable talent, excelling currently, and I sincerely hope his success endures."
