After poor bowling performance in the match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Team India’s former opening batsman Kris Srikkanth has given a strong statement about Jasprit Bumrah. Srikkanth questioned why Bumrah moved away from his usual aggressive bowling approach in IPL 2026.
The Hardik Pandya-led side failed to defend the score of 243 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday, April 29. Bumrah gave 54 runs in four overs and did not take any wicket. The home team recorded its sixth defeat in eight matches in the ongoing tournament.
Look what Jofra Archer is trying to do – Kris Srikkanth criticizes Jasprit Bumrah
Speaking on his YouTube channel after the match, Kris Srikkanth criticized Jasprit Bumrah’s approach against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He said that Bumrah did not use the new ball effectively during the powerplay.
Srikkanth said, “Bumrah also bowled a lot of slow balls. You have the new ball and you have two left-handed batsmen in front of you.”
Try to eliminate them. There is no point in Bumrah bowling such a slow ball with the new ball. Look at what Archer is trying to do in the last few matches. He is bowling with full enthusiasm and catching the batsmen behind and in the slips. This is what Bumrah should try to do.”
Jasprit Bumrah is not getting that zip at all – Kris Srikkanth
Chris Srikkanth pointed out the lack of clarity from Jasprit Bumrah, noting that the usual zip and pace was missing despite giving full physical effort throughout his spell.
“Bumrah is not getting that zip at all. Not a single ball is looking dangerous. Maybe he is tired, so I am not blaming him. But he is clearly not at his best. He is bowling hard but looking very normal.”
Unlike Bumrah’s recent struggles, Jofra Archer has been performing consistently this season. He has taken 14 wickets in nine matches and has made an impact in the powerplay, using his pace, bounce and the pace of the new ball to trouble the batsmen and provide early breakthroughs regularly.
Jasprit Bumrah ends worst ever Indian Premier League campaign
This rare lean phase continues for Jasprit Bumrah in the current season. He has taken only two wickets in eight matches at an average of 132.00 and an economy rate of 8.80. The fast bowler has a strike rate of 90.00, which shows a big drop in his general effectiveness.
Opposition batsmen have changed their approach against him this season. Instead of playing cautiously, they attacked him early and tried to score runs quickly. This has been a challenging phase for Bumrah compared to his usual impressive performances.
Meanwhile, the race for the Purple Cap has been dominated by other fast bowlers this season. For a bowler of Bumrah’s quality and experience, these figures represent a rare slump. This shows how even top players can face tough times during a long and competitive tournament like the IPL.
Mumbai Indians are now close to elimination after the defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With six losses in eight matches, they need almost a complete win to keep their playoff hopes alive this season.
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