Sunil Gavaskar Calls Out Jasprit Bumrah: No-Balls Are Simply Unacceptable

IPL 2026: Bumrah's Struggles Under the Microscope

NEW DELHI: We're witnessing one of the most perplexing seasons for Jasprit Bumrah in IPL history. The pacer, often a match-winner for Mumbai Indians, has managed only three wickets across ten matches. This alarming statistic is a major reason the once-dominant team finds itself languishing at ninth place in the points table.

Following a much-needed win against Lucknow Super Giants, where the team snapped a three-match losing streak, all eyes were still on Bumrah, whose performance left much to be desired. Despite Mumbai's six-wicket victory, Bumrah's figures were hard to swallow: 4 overs, 0 maidens, 45 runs, 0 wickets, 3 no-balls, and 3 wides.

Sunil Gavaskar's Fiery Critique

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back his criticism of Bumrah's performance. During the broadcast, Gavaskar expressed his frustration, particularly addressing the unacceptable nature of no-balls in professional cricket:

“Do not tell me again. Do not tell me. Do not tell me that Bumrah has bowled a no-ball. That is not acceptable. That is not acceptable. You are a professional cricketer; it is not acceptable. Wides, yes, I understand, but no balls, no,”

His comments captured the sentiment of many fans and analysts who expect more from a player of Bumrah's caliber.

The Impact on Team Dynamics

When Bumrah bowled consecutive no-balls in the critical 14th over, the broadcast cameras gravitated toward Mumbai's head coach Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Lasith Malinga. Their visible dejection spoke volumes about the situation.

Gavaskar's on-air remarks about Malinga epitomized the frustrations in the Mumbai camp:

“Yes, bowling coach. This is a big one.”

Bright Spots Amidst the Shadows

While the focus remains on Bumrah, it's worth noting that not all was bleak for Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma made a significant comeback with a score of 84, effectively proving his value to the team. Alongside him, Ryan Rickelton showcased his hitting prowess with a remarkable 83, leading the duo to their third century partnership in the IPL—a phenomenal 143 runs that laid the foundation for the victory.

The team chased down Lucknow's impressive total of 228/5, finishing the match with 229/4 in just 18.4 overs. This highlights the potential within the squad to still compete fiercely despite Bumrah's ongoing struggles.

What Lies Ahead for Mumbai Indians?

As we look towards May 10, when Mumbai faces Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the question remains: Can Jasprit Bumrah find his rhythm again? The challenges of high-pressure situations and maintaining composure as a professional cricketer are at the forefront of this narrative.

Every cricketer goes through rough patches, and the path to redemption is filled with determination and skill. With Bumrah's track record, it's difficult to imagine this being anything more than a minor setback. Fans can only hope he finds his groove soon—Mumbai Indians need him more than ever.

Final Thoughts

I salute Bumrah's contributions to cricket and his undeniable talent, but he must address these no-ball issues to reclaim his status as a formidable bowler. As the season continues, let's keep our fingers crossed for a turnaround, not just for Bumrah, but for a team that highlights resilience amidst adversity.