Concerned by Jasprit Bumrah’s lackluster IPL 2026 campaign, former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has questioned both his rhythm and tactical decisions with the new ball.
Bumrah’s return of just two wickets in eight games has been a significant discussion topic as the Mumbai Indians are languishing at the bottom half of the points table. Srikkanth thinks that strategy, especially during the powerplay, is the problem more than just form.
”Even Bumrah bowled too many slower ones. You have the new ball with you and two left-handers in front of you. Try to nick them off. Bumrah bowling so many slower deliveries with the new ball is of no use. See what Archer is trying to do in the last few matches. He’s bowling at full throttle and nicking batters off caught behind and at slips. That’s what Bumrah should try to do,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
He cited Jofra Archer as an example, pointing out that the Rajasthan Royals pacer has been successful this season by attacking batters early.
Srikkanth also suggested that Bumrah’s decline might be due to exhaustion, stating that the sharpness that formerly characterized him seems to be absent.
”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,” he added.
Bumrah has been more economical than his teammates despite his lack of wickets, but his expensive and wicketless performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad—giving up 54 runs—only heightened the criticism.
Kieron Pollard, the batting coach for the Mumbai Indians, backed the pacer by urging patience and highlighting the difficulties elite players encounter due to ongoing public scrutiny.
”We are unfortunate, you know, to always be in the public eye. So when we do bad, it’s always being highlighted. But when normal people have jobs and they send the wrong email, they have the opportunity to edit the words and all these things. We don’t have the opportunity. So it’s fair and fine when you’re not doing well, you accept certain things.
”And knowing the individual, I know he’s going to bounce back with greater heights and take wickets,” Pollard said in the post-match press conference on Wednesday.
