Bumrah’s IPL 2026 dip under scanner as experts question change in bowling approach

Jasprit Bumrah’s unexpected struggles have emerged as one of the biggest talking points of Indian Premier League, with experts pointing to a possible overreliance on slower deliveries as a key reason behind his underwhelming campaign.

Fresh off a stellar ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in India’s title defence, Bumrah entered the tournament with sky-high expectations. Known for his pace, pinpoint accuracy and ability to deliver in crunch moments for both India and Mumbai Indians, few expected such a sharp dip in form.

Instead, the season has been far from ideal.

The premier fast bowler has managed just two wickets in nine matches while conceding runs at an unusually high rate — a slump that has mirrored Mumbai Indians’ disappointing campaign, with the five-time champions currently languishing near the bottom of the points table.

Pollock points to World Cup hangover

Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock believes Bumrah’s struggles may stem from tactical habits carried over from the T20 World Cup.

According to Pollock, slower deliveries proved highly effective on those surfaces, and that success may have influenced Bumrah to lean too heavily on the variation this IPL season.

Pollock suggested Bumrah still needs to trust the high-pace, hard-length bowling that has made him one of the world’s most feared white-ball bowlers, using slower balls as a secondary weapon rather than a primary option.

Simon Doull’s blunt assessment

Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull offered an even sharper critique, saying Bumrah may have “gone over the top” with slower deliveries.

Doull argued that if Bumrah bowls in the powerplay, he should avoid slower balls entirely during his opening spell and instead focus on attacking with raw pace and hard lengths.

He also hinted at possible concerns around Bumrah’s rhythm or fitness, noting his average pace appears lower than usual.

According to Doull, batters now seem prepared for Bumrah’s slower ball — once a surprise weapon — making it less effective.

Mumbai Indians need Bumrah back at his best

For Mumbai Indians to revive their fading playoff hopes, Bumrah rediscovering his rhythm could be crucial.

His ability to strike early and control the death overs has historically been central to MI’s success, and unless he regains that cutting edge soon, both his season and Mumbai’s campaign could continue to unravel.