Pollard Backs Jasprit Bumrah Despite Wicketless Streak in IPL 2026
The Pressure Mounts for Mumbai Indians
The 2026 IPL season has proven to be a demanding test for the Mumbai Indians (MI). Currently languishing in eighth place on the points table after two consecutive losses, the franchise finds itself in an unfamiliar position. While high-scoring matches are the new norm in T20 cricket, the bowling statistics for MI are reaching levels that the coaching staff is eager to rectify. With five bowlers currently operating at an economy rate of at least 12, the pressure is mounting ahead of their crucial home encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Jasprit Bumrah Conundrum
Perhaps the most scrutinized aspect of the MI bowling attack is the uncharacteristic dry spell of Jasprit Bumrah. Alongside Trent Boult, the pace spearhead has yet to register a wicket. While Bumrah remains economical—conceding runs at just eight per over—the lack of breakthroughs has led to questions regarding his role and his dip in bowling speed, which has rarely touched the 140kph mark this season.
However, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard remains unfazed by the noise. During a pre-match press conference, Pollard emphasized that the modern T20 game requires a shift in perspective. ‘When you look at T20 cricket now, the way that it is going, you cannot really think much about wickets,’ Pollard explained. ‘Sometimes the best form of attack is also defense. We are not looking too much into the wicketless nature of Jasprit Bumrah. He is a world-class bowler. He has done it time and time again for India and also for Mumbai Indians. When the time comes to get wickets, he will get wickets.’
Collective Responsibility and Tactical Adjustments
The struggles extend beyond Bumrah. Trent Boult, usually a lethal weapon in the powerplay, has struggled to find his rhythm, collecting only two powerplay wickets in 16 overs across both the SA20 and IPL 2026. Supporting bowlers like Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur have also faced challenges; while Thakur leads the team with four wickets, he remains the most expensive option with an economy rate of 12.88.
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene has previously highlighted the team’s inability to execute new-ball plans. Pollard notes that the coaching staff is focusing on mental fortitude and skill-based practice to bridge these gaps. ‘For us, we are going to hold strong as a bowling unit. In T20 cricket, a couple of guys are going to go for runs on any given day, but hopefully, at the end, we can average it out and stay within that par total,’ Pollard added.
Facing the RCB Challenge at Wankhede
Returning to the Wankhede Stadium offers a sense of comfort, yet it is rarely a sanctuary for bowlers. The upcoming clash against RCB promises to be a stern test. Although MI historically maintained a ten-year unbeaten record against RCB at home, that streak ended last year when Bengaluru posted 221 runs. With RCB’s lineup showcasing an aggressive, high-intent batting style even when in trouble, the MI bowlers will need to be at their absolute best.
Pollard remains optimistic about the team’s preparation. ‘It is about coming together as one and trying to get the desired result. For us, he (Bumrah) is fine, he is fit, he is firing. As an individual, I never look at cricket as just wicket columns. It is a team sport.’
As MI prepares to meet RCB on Sunday night, the focus remains on execution. The team hopes that the conversations held in the nets will translate into a more disciplined and fruitful performance on the field. For fans and critics alike, the wait for Bumrah’s signature match-winning spell continues, but within the Mumbai camp, there is a unified belief that the tide is about to turn.
