Mumbai Indians registered a convincing win over Lucknow Super Giants, but the lingering question after the match was Jasprit Bumrah’s continued lean run in IPL 2026.
Former India cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy has called for an open and honest conversation between the Mumbai Indians think tank and the star pacer, suggesting that the management may need to check in on his physical and mental state as his struggles persist.
Bumrah endured another difficult outing at the Wankhede Stadium, returning with figures of 0/45 against LSG. It marked the seventh instance this season in which the premier fast bowler has gone wicketless.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Veda stressed the importance of direct communication within the MI setup, especially given Bumrah’s role and experience.
“We are in that space that the management, or coach, or even captain — Surya is pretty close to him, he is the vice-captain of the squad — and Rohit is around, they can probably honestly sit and have a chat,” she said.
“Ask him: ‘Are you feeling 100% from within? Do you want to take a break for a game or so?’ So that he comes back fresh. That is something you can probably ask him and expect him to answer you honestly.”
Despite Bumrah’s off night, Mumbai Indians chased down a massive 229-run target in 18.4 overs, powered by a 143-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma (84) and Ryan Rickelton (83).
Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar also weighed in, saying the decision will depend on how MI want to approach the rest of the tournament.
“It also boils down to what the coach and the management is thinking,” Bangar said. “If MI are okay to maybe finish the season in the lower ranks as far as the points table is concerned, then Bumrah may in all likelihood take that call of not playing the rest of the games.”
Bumrah has managed just three wickets in ten matches so far in IPL 2026, while his economy rate has also climbed above eight runs per over, marking a rare dip in form for the India spearhead.