Out of form Jasprit Bumrah takes only 2 wickets in 8 IPL matches

Staff Report: PNN

India’s Jasprit Bumrah, regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in modern cricket, is currently seen in a completely different form in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Due to his continued failure to take wickets, his name has appeared among the least effective bowlers in the tournament.

So far in the current season, he has taken only 2 wickets in 8 matches. His bowling average stands at 132.00, which is the worst among bowlers who have bowled a significant number of overs this season. His start was even more disappointing—he went wicketless in the first five matches.

He struggled against Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings, where batsmen comfortably played his bowling. He finally took his first wicket in the sixth match against Gujarat Titans by dismissing Sai Sudharsan.

On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is leading the chart with 17 wickets at an average of 15.52. Jofra Archer and other bowlers are also performing in relatively better form.

Experts believe Bumrah’s poor form is due to physical and mental fatigue. Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth said that due to a busy schedule, Bumrah has lost his rhythm. Continuous bowling in recent international series has increased pressure on him.

Ravichandran Ashwin believes that both team performance issues and personal failure have added mental pressure. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif thinks that the effects of old injuries may still not have fully healed.

Overall, the fast bowler once feared by batsmen now faces the challenge of rediscovering his form. Whether he can bounce back in the remaining matches is yet to be seen.