Mumbai Indians find themselves in a tough spot this IPL season, and at the heart of their concerns is the uncharacteristic form of their star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. The speedster, known for his lethal yorkers and pinpoint accuracy, has managed just three wickets in 10 matches—a stark contrast to his usual dominance. With an economy rate of 8.89 and an alarming bowling average of 109.67, Bumrah's struggles have mirrored his team's, as Mumbai Indians sit ninth on the points table with only three wins from 10 games.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan didn't hold back in his analysis, highlighting the gap between Bumrah's past brilliance and current woes. "Last season, he picked up 18 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of just 6.7," Pathan noted. "This season, three wickets in 10 games is a massive drop. When wickets don't come, the economy suffers too. Nobody expected a bowler of his class to have numbers like this—especially after his stellar T20 World Cup performance. It's painful to watch."
Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, offered a deeper perspective on what might be driving Bumrah's dip. "He's come into this IPL after a heavy workload with the Indian team over the last 12 months. This isn't just physical—mental fatigue is a big factor. Mumbai Indians need to look after him," Shastri emphasized. "With a packed schedule ahead, including multiple Test series and the 50-over World Cup in the next two years, managing his fitness and workload is crucial."
Despite the struggles, there was a glimmer of hope for Mumbai Indians on Monday, as they secured their third win of the season by defeating Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. After opting to bowl first, MI conceded 228 for five in 20 overs, with Nicholas Pooran smashing 63 off 21 balls, Mitchell Marsh contributing 44 off 25, and Himmat Singh remaining unbeaten on 40 off 31.
In response, Mumbai Indians chased down the target in just 18.4 overs, powered by a sensational opening partnership. Ryan Rickelton blazed 83 off 32 balls, while Rohit Sharma matched the intensity with 84 off 44, adding 143 runs for the first wicket. The win keeps their playoff hopes alive, but the spotlight remains on Bumrah—and how the franchise manages his workload could define not just their season, but his future on the international stage.