Jasprit Bumrah is having a nightmare IPL 2026 season. The pace spearhead, usually a nightmare for batters worldwide, has managed just three wickets in ten matches. That alarming slump is a major reason why Mumbai Indians are stuck in ninth place despite a recent win.

Even in Mumbai's six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, Bumrah looked a shadow of himself. He went wicketless, conceded 45 runs in four overs, and—most painfully—bowled three no-balls, including two in the same over. The 14th over stretched into a nine-ball disaster.

Legend Sunil Gavaskar didn't hold back. "Do not tell me again. Do not tell me that Bumrah has bowled a no-ball. That is not acceptable," he fumed on air. "You are a professional cricketer. Wides, yes, I understand, but no balls, no."

When Bumrah overstepped twice in that over, cameras caught Mumbai head coach Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Lasith Malinga looking dejected. Gavaskar added pointedly: "Yes, bowling coach. This is a big one."

For context, no-balls are especially costly in T20 cricket. They give the batter a free hit and add extra deliveries, swinging momentum. For a bowler of Bumrah's caliber, such errors are uncharacteristic and costly.

Thankfully for Mumbai, Rohit Sharma (84) and Ryan Rickelton (83) delivered a masterclass. The openers put on a 143-run partnership—their third century stand in the IPL—to chase down LSG's 228/5 with 229/4 in 18.4 overs. It was a much-needed win for a team desperate to revive its campaign.