Jasprit Bumrah finally picked up his first wicket of IPL 2026 after going wicketless in six consecutive matches, and after Mumbai Indians’ emphatic win over Gujarat Titans, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin explained why Bumrah dipped in form despite a good spell in the first two matches. Mumbai Indians put up a brilliant all-round performance to defeat Gujarat Titans convincingly. After being reduced to 44/3 in the Powerplay, MI recovered through a crucial partnership between Naman Dhir (45) and Tilak Verma. Tilak then scored an unbeaten 101* off 45 balls, taking MI to a robust total of 199/5.For GT, Kagiso Rabada (3/33) was the standout bowler, while Mohammad Siraj was frugal.In reply, Gujarat Titans never got going and were bundled out for just 100 in 15.5 overs. Ashwini starred with a career-best 4/24, while Allah Ghazanfar and Mitchell Santner took two wickets each to seal a comprehensive win for MI.While a century under pressure from Tilak Verma and a four-wicket haul from Ashwini Kumar revived MI’s hopes of making any progress in the tournament, perhaps the biggest positive was Bumrah breaking his IPL wicketless streak, which marked the biggest IPL matches without a wicket in last year’s playoffs.Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his views on Jasprit Bumrah’s recent performance, suggesting that external narratives about his lack of wickets have affected the star pacer’s rhythm.Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Aash Ki Baat’, Ashwin noted that although Bumrah bowled well in the opening matches, the pressure of not taking wickets and the loss of the team has affected his confidence.Ashwin said, “I still think Bumrah bowled very well in the first two matches, but then the team started losing. Then there was the narrative that Bumrah wasn’t getting wickets. Maybe it was playing in his mind, he got a wicket, and it had to be. In the last two matches, he’s not the Bumrah I’ve seen, but chances are we’re going to see one of the best of them.”Ashwin also pointed out that Bumrah looked a little off his usual form in the matches against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he conceded runs and looked unusually frustrated.
Hardik Pandya backed to regain form.
Ashwin also backed Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to rediscover his batting form, especially after the team’s recent win. He highlighted that Hardik is yet to produce a clear innings this season, but believes that an effective innings can change everything for both the player and the team.“Remember Hardik Pandya has yet to open with the bat, he will also start opening with the bat. It’s just one innings. If he hits well in an innings, it will be very difficult to stop this team. If this team starts firing, it will be very difficult to stop him. Hardik was not getting wins, and the pressure was on your bat as the captain, and with it pressure on you. Win, chances are high. More likely, Hardik Pandya will find his mojo with the bat,” he said.So far this season, Hardik has crossed the 20-run mark only once in five innings. He has scored 96 runs at an average of 24.00 and a strike rate of over 143, with the highest score being 40.
