Jasprit Bumrah is enduring a rare lean spell in IPL 2026, remaining wicketless after five matches for Mumbai Indians, which has added to the team’s struggles. Despite the mounting pressure, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Bumrah, saying he is in a tough spot but not out of form, and emphasized that his bowling remains strong.
Bumrah, widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation, has yet to deliver a breakthrough this season. His performance against Punjab Kings, where he conceded 41 runs in four overs, further highlighted the challenges facing both him and Mumbai Indians, who have lost four of their first five matches. The lack of wickets from their premier pacer has intensified concerns about the team’s ability to regain momentum.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, defended Bumrah by pointing out the difficulty of simultaneously stopping runs and taking wickets within just 24 balls. He noted that Bumrah is trying every variation in his arsenal—yorkers, bouncers, and slower balls—in search of wickets, which sometimes makes him appear desperate. Ashwin stressed that this phase should not be seen as a decline in form, but rather as part of the natural ups and downs every cricketer faces.
A telling moment came when Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer smashed Bumrah’s short ball for a six deep into the crowd, a rare sight that stunned fans at Wankhede Stadium. Ashwin explained that Bumrah’s eagerness to break his wicketless streak was evident in that delivery, but insisted that his rhythm and skill remain intact.
For Mumbai Indians, Bumrah’s struggles are symbolic of a larger issue, as the team has failed to find consistency early in the season. Analysts believe that once Bumrah regains his rhythm, it could spark a turnaround for the franchise. His track record as a match-winner suggests that this lean patch is temporary, and his ability to bounce back will be crucial for MI’s campaign.