Mumbai Indians’ (MI) star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been experiencing a lean patch in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, but former India speedster Zaheer Khan is quick to dismiss the notion that this dip in form can define the young bowler’s career.
‘I’m very happy to see bowlers clawing their way back in the tournament,’ Zaheer said, reflecting on the recent resurgence of MI’s bowlers in the last few matches. ‘Bumrah is a very confident and mature individual who has been a world-class performer for a long time. A short spell like this doesn’t define him as a cricketer.’
The left-arm seamer’s struggles with the new ball have been a point of concern for MI fans, with Bumrah going wicketless in his last few outings. However, Zaheer believes that the 28-year-old will bounce back strongly, drawing comparisons with the struggles he faced early in his career.
‘It’s Not the First Time Bumrah’s Been in This Situation’
‘When I started my international career, I went through a similar phase where I wasn’t getting wickets as expected,’ Zaheer reminisced, drawing from his own experiences. ‘I remember going wicketless in a few Test matches in England, but I didn’t lose confidence in my ability. I kept working on my skills, and it’s the same with Bumrah.’
Zaheer pointed out that Bumrah’s impressive performance in the recently concluded Test series against Australia, where he picked 21 wickets, is a testament to the bowler’s class and maturity. ‘Bumrah has the ability to perform under pressure, and he’s got the skillset to adapt to different conditions,’ Zaheer said.
Bowlers Stepping Up, Zaheer Credits MI’s Coaching Staff
While Bumrah’s struggles have been a topic of discussion, Zaheer believes that the bowlers have started to find their rhythm in IPL 2026. ‘The bowlers have started to pick up wickets consistently, and it’s a great sign for the team,’ Zaheer said, crediting the MI coaching staff for the turnaround.
‘The coaching staff has done a fantastic job of identifying the areas where the bowlers need to improve and working on it. The bowlers have taken ownership of their game, and it’s a great thing to see,’ Zaheer added.
MI’s Strong Squad Depth a Key Factor
Zaheer attributed MI’s resurgence in the tournament to their strong squad depth, which allows them to experiment with different combinations and strategies. ‘MI has a very strong squad, and they can afford to experiment with different bowlers and strategies,’ Zaheer said.
‘The team’s ability to adapt to different situations and conditions has been a key factor in their success. They’ve got a great mix of experienced and young players, and it’s a great thing for the team,’ Zaheer concluded.
As MI look to make a strong comeback in the second half of the tournament, Zaheer’s words of encouragement for Bumrah will serve as a much-needed boost for the young pacer. With MI’s strong squad depth and the bowlers’ growing confidence, the team is well-placed to make a deep run in the tournament.
