0 wickets in 5 matches! What's really going wrong with Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2026? - Explained
Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is struggling in IPL 2026, having conceded 164 runs without a wicket in five matches. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan suggests Bumrah is bowling too many slower deliveries, with his average speed dropping below 130 kmph. Pathan believes reducing the percentage of slower balls and increasing pace will improve his effectiveness.
Nothing seems to be working for star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2026. In five matches so far, Bumrah has conceded 164 runs without taking a single wicket. He has leaked runs at an economy rate of 8.
63. The right-arm fast bowler, known for dominating the powerplay, rattling stumps and producing toe-crushing yorkers, has surprisingly struggled to make an impact this season. So what is the reason behind Bumrah’s slump in IPL 2026?
That question gained further attention after he returned figures of 0/41 against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. It was the fifth straight match this season in which the ace pacer failed to pick up a wicket. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan explained the reason behind Bumrah’s poor form, pointing out that the Mumbai Indians spearhead has been bowling too many slower deliveries and paying the price for it.
— IPL (@IPL) "Wickets from Jasprit Bumrah's bowling are very important. There is no major issue with his form, but his average speed this season has been around 130 kmph. He has been using the slower ball about 44 per cent of the time, meaning almost every second ball is a slower one," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.