MI need to look after Bumrah: Ravi Shastri decodes pacer's poor IPL 2026 form

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has attributed Jasprit Bumrah’s poor run in IPL 2026 to mental fatigue, saying the Mumbai Indians need to carefully manage the workload of their premier fast bowler ahead of a packed international calendar.

Bumrah’s struggles continued against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium, where the pacer finished with figures of 0/45. It was the seventh time this season that Bumrah went wicketless.

“Bumrah has entered this IPL off the back of a heavy workload with the Indian team over the last 12 months. His struggles are not just physical. Mental fatigue is a big reason. Mumbai Indians need to look after him. Over the next two years, there is a packed schedule, multiple Test series and the 50-over World Cup are coming up. So, his fitness and workload will have to be managed very carefully,” Shastri said while speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Champions Waali Commentary’.

Coming into IPL 2026, expectations from Bumrah were naturally high after his stellar performances in the T20 World Cup, where he played a key role in India’s successful campaign. Over the years, the Mumbai Indians spearhead has built a reputation for thriving under pressure with his pace, precision and control, often turning games single-handedly for both franchise and country.

This season, however, has been a sharp contrast to the standards Bumrah has set for himself. The pacer has struggled to find rhythm, leaking runs at an unusual rate while failing to make regular breakthroughs. In ten matches so far, Bumrah has managed only three wickets, with his economy rate climbing above eight runs per over.

Another concern for Mumbai Indians has been Bumrah’s discipline with the ball. The 32-year-old has already bowled eight no-balls this season, including three against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday night. The repeated oversteps have only added to the pressure on a side already enduring a difficult campaign.

Mumbai Indians’ struggles this season have mirrored Bumrah’s dip in form. The five-time champions are currently placed ninth on the IPL 2026 points table and are running out of opportunities to keep their playoff hopes alive.

For a bowler who rarely has an off season, IPL 2026 is turning into one of Bumrah’s toughest campaigns yet, and Shastri believes managing both his physical and mental workload could be crucial for India going forward.

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