IPL 2026: ‘It’s not a Hardik Pandya problem’- MI skipper hits back on Jasprit Bumrah debate
Mumbai Indians achieved a significant victory against Gujarat Titans. Skipper Hardik Pandya highlighted Jasprit Bumrah's impactful new ball spell and Tilak Varma's exceptional batting as crucial. Young players also delivered strong performances.
This win is seen as a potential turning point for the team's season, especially after facing challenges in Ahmedabad.
Mumbai Indians’ emphatic 99-run win over Gujarat Titans was defined by Tilak Varma’s brilliance, but skipper Hardik Pandya made it clear that a key tactical call with the ball also played a decisive role. One of the biggest talking points was the decision to hand the new ball to Jasprit Bumrah, a move that paid off instantly as he struck with the very first delivery to remove Sai Sudharsan. It was also a significant moment for Bumrah personally, as this was his first wicket of the season, coming in his sixth match.
Addressing the long-standing question around why Bumrah does not usually bowl the first over, Hardik offered a clear explanation. “I’ve seen a lot of people go, why Jassie has never bowled. But if you see, it’s been 138 [151] appearances and I think 8 or 9 times Jasprit has bowled the first over.
So I don’t think it’s a Hardik Pandya problem. ” He emphasised that Bumrah’s role is defined by impact rather than convention. “It’s just that Jasprit Bumrah is so special that you use him wherever it’s required for the team, not when you start.