Ravichandran Ashwin has attributed Jasprit Bumrah’s recent dip in wicket returns during IPL 2026 to the growing external narrative around his performances, suggesting that pressure rather than ability played a role in the phase. The assessment comes after Bumrah ended a six-match run without a wicket during Mumbai Indians’ commanding win over Gujarat Titans, marking a shift in momentum for both the player and the team.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin outlined how the narrative around Bumrah intensified as Mumbai Indians struggled for results, despite the pacer maintaining control in earlier outings. He said, “I still think Bumrah bowled really well in the first two matches, but then the team started losing. Then the narrative also started that Bumrah was not getting wickets. That was probably playing on his mind. He got a wicket, and that was bound to happen. In the last two games, he is not the Bumrah that I have seen, but chances are that we will see the best of him ahead.”
Match performance underlines turning point
The fixture itself reflected a broader turnaround for Mumbai Indians, who rebuilt after slipping to 44/3 and finished on 199/5, driven by a rapid unbeaten century from Tilak Varma alongside a steady contribution from Naman Dhir. Gujarat Titans were then dismissed for 100 inside 16 overs, with Ashwani Kumar returning figures of 4/24, supported by multiple wickets from Allah Ghazanfar and Mitchell Santner.
Bumrah’s return to the wicket column, including figures of 1/15 from three overs, stood out as a key development after a prolonged stretch without breakthroughs. The phase had also included outings against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru where he appeared below his usual standards, conceding runs and showing visible signs of frustration.
Hardik Pandya backed to find batting rhythm
Ashwin also pointed to the impact of pressure on Hardik Pandya, suggesting that leadership responsibility and recent results may have influenced his output with the bat. The Mumbai Indians captain has yet to deliver a defining innings this season, but Ashwin expects that to change with momentum returning to the side.
He said, “Remember that Hardik Pandya is yet to open up with the bat. He will also start opening up with the bat. It is just a matter of one innings. If he gets a good hit in one innings, it will be very difficult to stop this team. If this team starts firing, it will become very difficult to stop them. Hardik was not getting the win as captain, and there was pressure on him, and that pressure comes into your batting as well. With this win, chances are high that Hardik Pandya will find his mojo with the bat.”
Pandya has crossed the 20-run mark once in five innings so far, scoring 96 runs at an average of 24.00 and maintaining a strike rate above 143, with a top score of 40. Despite those returns, the expectation remains that a single impactful innings could significantly alter both his form and the team’s trajectory.
Momentum shift for Mumbai Indians
The comprehensive win over Gujarat Titans, combined with Bumrah’s return to wickets and expectations around Pandya’s batting, points to a potential turning point in Mumbai Indians’ campaign. With contributions across departments and key players showing signs of progression, the team appears to be building towards a more stable phase in the tournament.
