Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the best bowlers in the world today, but surprisingly, his average is currently the worst in the IPL this season. Bumrah went wicketless in the first five matches and did not get his first wicket until the sixth match against the Gujarat Titans, dismissing Sai Sudharsan on the first ball bowled in that match.
Prior to this match, Bumrah had been in poor form and had failed to take a wicket in Mumbai Indians’ first five games against Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab. His Sudharsan was dismissed for a golden duck and his wicket helped set the tone for Mumbai Indians’ victory while Gujarat Titans suffered a 99-run defeat.
Bumrah has dominated some of the biggest T20 batsmen in history. He has never conceded sixes to the likes of Travis Head and Sanju Samson, but in this tough phase of IPL 2026, both managed to hit him for sixes. Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also battled with him, hitting two sixes in one match. This highlights the lean phase Bumrah is currently going through.
Bumrah’s current IPL bowling average is 132, which is the worst in his T20 career. His average has almost doubled compared to other bowlers who bowled 30 overs or more this season, making him one of the worst bowlers in the Mumbai Indians team. This dip in form could be one of the reasons why Mumbai Indians are struggling to maintain the momentum.
Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, this 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 the Wankhede Stadium. In that match, Bumrah conceded 54 runs in four overs and was hit for six by Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Salil Arora. It’s rare for Bumrah to concede so many sixes, especially when his team relies on him the most.
What’s behind Jasprit Bumrah’s struggles?
Bumrah comes into IPL 2026 after a hectic and packed international schedule that includes Asia Cup, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, series against Australia and South Africa, and a grueling five-Test series in England. On that tour of England alone, he bowled 119 balls in three games despite chronic back problems.
Cricket experts have pointed out a number of possible reasons for his dip in form. Some felt that Bumrah might not have gotten enough rest after consecutive spells in international cricket, while others felt that he had struggled to find his usual pace and length.
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth had a blunt assessment after the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bumrah:
“Bumrah was not in that form at all. None of the deliveries looked threatening. Maybe he was tired, so I wouldn’t blame him. But he was clearly not at his best. He worked hard but looked ordinary.” His statement said Bumrah might have been exhausted after his schedule.
Ravichandran Ashwin, on the other hand, emphasized the mental aspect of the game. In Bumrah’s first five games, Ashwin said external narratives and pressure may have affected his rhythm.
“I still think Bumrah played very well in the first two games, but then the team started losing. Then there were also rumors started that Bumrah was not getting wickets. It might have been on his mind,” Ashwin said, adding that Bumrah’s best might still be to come.
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif also expressed his opinion, saying that Bumrah’s body may not be able to fully support him at the moment and a short rest can help him return to peak form.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard played down concerns over Bumrah’s form. He stressed that pacers are human beings and occasional dips are natural, urging people to remember his immense contribution to the team over the years.
Here are the bowling averages of players who bowled 30 overs or more this season, along with their averages and economy rates:-
|
bowler |
come on stage |
running |
wicket |
average |
economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jasprit Bumrah |
30 |
264 |
2 |
132.00 |
8.80 |
|
Ardeep Singh |
30 |
Chapter 329 |
8 |
41.12 |
10.96 |
|
Mohammad Shami |
31 |
250 |
7 |
35.71 |
8.06 |
|
Mohammad Siraj |
33 |
268 |
9 |
29.77 |
8.12 |
|
Rashid Khan |
33 |
274 |
10 |
27.40 |
8.30 |
|
Kamuzeng Rabada |
35 |
Chapter 338 |
14 |
24.14 |
9.65 |
|
Jofra Archer |
33 |
274 |
14 |
19.50 |
8.27 |
|
Eshan Malinga |
31 |
Chapter 284 |
15 |
18.93 |
9.16 |
|
Prince Yadav |
30 |
Chapter 242 |
13 |
18.61 |
8.06 |
|
Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
35 |
264 |
No. 17 |
15.52 |
7.54 |
In comparison, during IPL 2025, Bumrah led the Mumbai Indians bowling attack with a stellar season, taking 18 wickets in 12 matches. Despite missing the first four games with a back injury, he came back strongly and had what many analysts consider to be his most economical season, maintaining an economy rate of 6.68, the best in the league among bowlers with more than 10 wickets.
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Prior to the IPL, Bumrah was a key figure in the Indian national cricket team’s successful title defense in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He became the joint-highest wicket taker with 14 wickets in 8 matches. His career reached its pinnacle in the final on March 8, 2026, where he was adjudged Man of the Match with an impressive performance of 4/15 against the New Zealand national cricket team. Earlier, he reached the 500-international milestone by dismissing Harry Brooke with the first ball against England at the Wankhede Stadium.
