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Ravi Shastri on Jasprit Bumrah's IPL Struggles: Mental Fatigue a Big Reason

Jasprit Bumrah has struggled in IPL 2026, taking only three wickets in 10 matches with an economy rate of 8.89 and a poor average of 109.67. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed concern, noting the stark contrast to Bumrah's 18-wicket haul last season. Ravi Shastri attributed Bumrah's struggles to both physical and mental fatigue due to a heavy workload with the Indian team. Mumbai Indians, currently in ninth place, desperately need Bumrah's peak performance to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Key Points: Ravi Shastri on Bumrah's IPL 2026 Struggles: Mental Fatigue Key

  • Jasprit Bumrah has taken only 3 wickets in 10 IPL 2026 matches with a poor average of 109.67
  • Ravi Shastri cites mental fatigue and heavy workload as key reasons for Bumrah's struggles
  • Irfan Pathan expressed concern over Bumrah's poor form compared to his 18-wicket last season
  • Mumbai Indians in ninth place with 3 wins, desperately need Bumrah's peak performance to stay in playoff race
3 min read

"Not just physical, mental fatigue is a big reason": Ravi Shastri on Bumrah's struggles

Ravi Shastri and Irfan Pathan analyze Jasprit Bumrah's poor IPL 2026 form, citing mental fatigue and heavy workload. MI in ninth place with 3 wins.

"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. - Ravi Shastri"

Mumbai, May 5

Mumbai Indians seamer Jasprit Bumrah has taken only three wickets in the IPL 2026 despite being part of all 10 matches. His poor run with the ball has been a major concern for the MI as they find themselves in ninth place in the points table with three wins and seven losses.

Bumrah has leaked runs at an economy rate of 8.89 and bowled with a poor average of 109.67 this season.

Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary', the former India cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed concern over Bumrah's poor form this IPL season.

"Last season, Jasprit Bumrah picked up 18 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of just 6.7. This season, though, he has really struggled. He has only 3 wickets in 10 games, and his economy is on the higher side as well. When wickets don't come, the economy rate naturally suffers. Right now, his bowling average is 105. Nobody expected a bowler of Bumrah's class to have such poor numbers. Especially after his brilliant performance in the T20 World Cup, watching him struggle like this is very painful," said Pathan.

The former India cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri also weighed in on the possible reasons behind Bumrah's struggles.

"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.

MI registered their third win of the season on Monday when they defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium.

MI opted to bowl first after winning the toss and LSG post 228/5 after 20 overs, with the help of knocks from Nicholas Pooran (63 off 21 balls, with four and eight sixes), Mitchell Marsh (44 off 25 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Himmat Singh (40* in 31 balls, with two fours and two sixes).

However, an opening stand of 143 runs between Ryan Rickelton (83 in 32 balls, with six fours and eight sixes) and Rohit Sharma (84 in 44 balls, with six fours and seven sixes) helped MI make light work of the chase and completed the chase in 18.4 overs.

One more defeat and MI's hopes of the playoffs will be dashed. In this situation, MI desperately need Bumrah's peak bowling performances to remain alive in the race for the playoffs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Honestly, it's heartbreaking to see Bumrah struggle like this. From being the World Cup hero to barely taking wickets... The schedule is brutal for pacers. But I think MI should also look at their bowling coach and the conditions at Wankhede - it's a graveyard for bowlers now. Hope he bounces back soon! 💙
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Vikram M
I respectfully disagree with those saying he's finished. Every great player goes through a rough patch. Remember how Kohli struggled for years and then came back stronger? Bumrah is a match-winner and will find his rhythm. The real issue is the insane workload - BCCI and MI need to coordinate better to manage his bowling loads. Let the man rest yaar! 😤
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Rohit P
What I find concerning is that Bumrah's yorker, which used to be unplayable, has lost its sting. He's bowling too many length balls. But Shastri is right - mental fatigue is real. The constant pressure to perform in every format, every tournament... even the best break down. MI should give him a break and let him work on his skills away from the spotlight. Sometimes less is more.
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Michael C
As a fan from overseas, it's incredible to see how much Bumrah means to Indian cricket fans. The patience and understanding shown here is refreshing. In many other countries, fans would have written him off by now. Hope IPL franchises learn from this - players aren't machines. Cheers to India for taking care of their stars! 🇮🇳
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Sneha F

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