IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah struggles for breakthroughs, records longest wicketless streak

Jasprit Bumrah (BCCI/IPL Photo)

NEW DELHI: It’s unusual to see Jasprit Bumrah without his usual bite in the Powerplay – the toe-crushing yorkers, the rattled stumps, and early breakthroughs that have defined his IPL career. But IPL 2026 has been a rare struggle for the Mumbai Indians spearhead.Bumrah has now gone five matches without picking up a single wicket — the longest wicketless streak of his IPL career. His previous longest dry spell came in 2014, when he went four games without a wicket.Bumrah’s last five IPL outings:0/40 (4) vs Punjab Kings, Ahmedabad (in 2025)0/35 (4) vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Wankhede0/21 (4) vs Delhi Capitals, Delhi0/32 (3) vs Rajasthan Royals, Guwahati0/35 (4) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, WankhedeAcross IPL 2026 so far, Bumrah has bowled 90 deliveries (15 overs) and conceded 123 runs without a wicket. That translates to an economy rate of 8.20 – respectable on the surface, but significantly below his usual impact given his role as a strike bowler.In the clash against RCB, Bumrah was expected to lead the charge, but the opposition batters dominated. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (50), Phil Salt (78) and Rajat Patidar (53) powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a daunting 240/4 against Mumbai Indians.For a bowler who has built his reputation on breaking partnerships and delivering under pressure, the numbers highlight an unusual phase. Over his IPL career, Bumrah has been one of the most consistent performers, claiming 183 wickets in 149 matches.