Jasprit Bumrah is bowling at 130 kmph: Irfan Pathan launches brutal attack amid IPL 2026

Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioned Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer Jasprit Bumrah over his bowling approach in IPL 2026. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Bumrah is relying too much on slower balls and also pointed out a clear drop in his average pace in recent matches of the tournament.

MI will host Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the upcoming match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, April 16. Captain Hardik Pandya desperately needs a commanding victory, as the five-time IPL champions are currently in ninth position on the points table after securing just one win from four matches.

There Is No Major Issue With His Form, But… - Irfan Pathan

Jasprit Bumrah has struggled to find his rhythm this season. The 32-year-old fast bowler has failed to take a single wicket while conceding runs at a high economy rate of 8.20. Irfan Pathan stated that Bumrah has bowled slower deliveries nearly 44 percent so far this season.

“Wickets from Jasprit Bumrah's bowling are very important. There is no major issue with his form, but his average speed this season has been around 130 kmph. He has been using the slower ball about 44 percent of the time, meaning almost every second ball is a slower one,” Pathan stated.

“Now why is Jasprit Bumrah doing this? I think this needs a deeper look. If he bowls more fast deliveries and reduces the percentage of slower balls, the results will come. It is a very simple solution. Bumrah does not need coaching, but the numbers are showing what is happening,” he added.

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Keep It Around 30 to 35 Percent - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan advised Jasprit Bumrah to reduce his slower ball usage to around 35 percent. He said that bowling too many slower deliveries reduces pace and makes a bowler predictable against aggressive batters.

“44 percent slower balls and an average speed below 130 kmph means he needs to increase his pace. Obviously, if you bowl more slow deliveries, your average speed will drop."

"But if you bring the slower ball percentage down to around 35 percent. If you keep it around 30 to 35 percent and bowl more fast deliveries, your slower balls will become more effective. And if you also get seam and swing, then you can dismiss batters as well,” Pathan said.

Despite the current dip in form, Bumrah has a strong record against Punjab Kings. He has taken 24 wickets in 18 matches against them, with best figures of 3/15.

Jasprit Bumrah Endures Worst Wicketless Streak Since 2014

Jasprit Bumrah is going through a rare four-match wicketless streak in the ongoing Indian Premier League. The fast bowler has not faced such a run in recent years, with his last similar stretch coming during the 2014 season.

He recorded disappointing figures of 0/40 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and 0/21 against Delhi Capitals (DC). Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also attacked him in a rain-affected match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he conceded 35 runs without taking a wicket.

The poor run continued against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as Bumrah gave away 32 runs without success. His lack of wickets has added to the struggles of Mumbai Indians this season.

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