IPL 2026: 'He should go back to his basics' Sunil Gavaskar's advice to Bumrah

Sunil Gavaskar and Jasprit Bumrah (Pic: PTI)

The Mumbai Indians defeated the Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The biggest worry for the five-time winners, who are only one loss away from elimination, is Jasprit Bumrah's poor bowling performances. Despite playing in all 10 IPL games this year, the speedster has only claimed 3 wickets. This season, he has bowled at an average of 109.67 and leaked runs at an economy rate of 8.89.

Speaking on Star Sports' Amul Cricket Live, the former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar discussed Jasprit Bumrah's struggles this season.

"Bumrah is giving his best, but he seems to be trying too many extra things. He took a wicket after the strategic timeout, but it was a no-ball. Then he bowled a few more no-balls. He is creating wicket-taking chances, but luck is not on his side. His pace has also dropped. His go-to slower ball length has become fuller," said Gavaskar.

"He is not known for bowling many no-balls, but this season he has already bowled six or seven. He tried bowling fuller lengths, but that didn't work. He is overdoing things, and that's hurting him. He should go back to his basics and stick to what works best for him. Trying new things is affecting his rhythm, and luck isn't helping either. Once he starts picking up wickets, he will be back on track. But Bumrah needs to keep it simple and stop overcomplicating his bowling," he added.

Rohit inspired MI beat LSG at Wankhede

MI chose to bowl first in the match, and LSG reached 228/5 thanks to hits from Nicholas Pooran (63 in 21 balls, with four and eight sixes), Mitchell Marsh (44 in 25 balls, with six fours and three sixes), and Himmat Singh (40' in 31 balls, with two fours and two sixes).

But Rickelton's (83 in 32 balls, with six fours and eight sixes) and Rohit's (84 in 44 balls, with six fours and seven sixes) 143-run partnership made it easy for MI to finish the chase in 18.4 overs. Will Jacks and Naman Dhir took the hosts home to give them a much-needed victory.

(With ANI Input)