Mumbai Indians defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets at home on Monday to keep their IPL 2026 playoff chances alive. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s form is still a cause for concern.
The five-time IPL champions need near-perfect outcomes from here because they are still in danger of being eliminated. Bumrah, who has battled with form thus far this season, is their biggest concern. In ten games, he has only claimed three wickets while giving up runs at an average of 109.67 and an economy of 8.89. He has now delivered seven no-balls, the most of any bowler this season, which exacerbates the situation.
Bumrah is attempting too many variations and losing his natural rhythm, according to former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar noted that Bumrah has experienced a decline in pace and has bowled multiple no-balls this season, which is unusual for him.
“He is overdoing things and should return to basics,” Bumrah’s line has strayed and his typical accuracy has been lacking, according to Gavaskar.
“Bumrah is giving his best, but he seems to be trying too many extra things. He took a wicket after the strategic timeout, but it was a no-ball. Then he bowled a few more no-balls. He is creating wicket-taking chances, but luck is not on his side. His pace has also dropped. His go-to slower ball length has become fuller. The line that used to target the stumps is now drifting to leg stump,” said Gavaskar.
But if the pacer simplifies his strategy, he believes he will soon bounce back.
“He is not known for bowling many no-balls, but this season he has already bowled six or seven. He tried bowling fuller lengths, but that didn’t work. He is overdoing things, and that’s hurting him. He should go back to his basics and stick to what works best for him. Trying new things is affecting his rhythm, and luck isn’t helping either. It will take just one or two games. Once he starts picking up wickets, he will be back on track. But Bumrah needs to keep it simple and stop overcomplicating his bowling,” Gavaskar added.
With three victories in ten games, the Mumbai Indians are still in ninth place, while LSG is at the bottom with two victories.
