Bumrah’s 2 wickets in 8 matches: Srikkanth questions slower-ball tactics

Former India World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth has pointed to what he sees as a concerning tactical drift behind Jasprit Bumrah’s lean run in the ongoing IPL season, where the Mumbai Indians pacer has managed just two wickets from eight matches.

Bumrah, who has been one of Mumbai Indians’ most reliable match-winners over the years and boasts 185 IPL wickets in his career, is enduring an unusually subdued campaign. The 32-year-old has struggled to make breakthroughs this season, with his first wicket coming only in Mumbai Indians’ 99-run win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad after going wicketless in the opening five matches.

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have also slipped into inconsistency, suffering their sixth loss of the season in a six-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium earlier this week. In that match, Bumrah conceded 54 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket, further underlining his struggles.

Srikkanth, analysing the situation on his YouTube channel, said Bumrah’s increased use of slower deliveries--particularly with the new ball--may be reducing his effectiveness.

“Even Bumrah bowled too many slower ones. You have the new ball and two left-handers in front. Try to nick them off. Bumrah bowling so many slower deliveries with the new ball is of no use,” Srikkanth said.

He contrasted Bumrah’s approach with Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer, who he believes has recently benefited from sticking to fuller pace and attacking intent.

“See what Archer is trying to do in the last few matches. He’s bowling at full throttle and nicking batters off caught behind and at slips. That’s what Bumrah should try to do,” he added.

Bumrah’s recent IPL numbers stand in stark contrast to his previous season, where he played a key role in Mumbai Indians finishing fourth on the points table and reaching the playoffs before losing to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. In that campaign, he took 18 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.56 and an economy rate of 6.68.

This season, however, his rhythm has looked off. After his breakthrough wicket against Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians have again suffered back-to-back defeats, including the heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad where he went wicketless and leaked 54 runs in his four overs.

Srikkanth also suggested that fatigue could be a contributing factor, though he stopped short of placing blame solely on the bowler.

“Bumrah is not getting that zip at all. Not one delivery looked threatening. Maybe he is tired, so I am not blaming him. But he is clearly not at his best. He is trying hard but looking very ordinary,” he said.

Despite the scrutiny, Mumbai Indians’ support staff remain confident of a turnaround. Batting coach Kieron Pollard backed the star pacer after the defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, emphasising that form slumps are part of a cricketer’s journey.

“We are unfortunate, you know, to always be in the public eye. So when we do bad, it’s always being highlighted. But when normal people have jobs and they send the wrong email, they have the opportunity to edit the words and all these things. We don’t have the opportunity. So it’s fair and fine when you’re not doing well, you accept certain things. And knowing the individual, I know he’s going to bounce back with greater heights and take wickets,” Pollard said.