Jasprit Bumrah scripts unwanted record; becomes first bowler to… – Jasprit Bumrah scripts unwanted record; becomes first bowler to set worst IPL average

A Challenging Season for a Bowling Icon

The 2026 Indian Premier League season will likely be one that Mumbai Indians and their talismanic pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, will want to put behind them. Known globally for his precision, lethal yorkers, and ability to stifle batsmen at the death, Bumrah experienced an uncharacteristic slump that culminated in a historic, albeit undesirable, statistic. As the season concluded, it was confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah scripts unwanted record; becomes first bowler to maintain a bowling average above 100 over the course of a full IPL campaign.

The Numbers Behind the Struggle

Statistically, the 2026 season was a significant departure from the high standards set by the 32-year-old pacer. Across his appearances, Bumrah managed to claim only four wickets. This performance represents his most difficult season since 2015, where he picked up three wickets in four matches. However, the 2026 metrics are far more stark. Bumrah finished the season with a bowling average of 102.5, a figure that stands as the worst in the history of the league for a bowler with a full season of participation.

To put this into context, the previous record for the highest bowling average in a single season belonged to former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha, who recorded an average of 95.0 during the 2014 season. Other notable names on the list of historically difficult seasons include legendary figures like Brett Lee, Harbhajan Singh, and Krunal Pandya, though none reached the triple-digit threshold now associated with Bumrah’s 2026 figures. Interestingly, many of these record-holding seasons were experienced while playing for the Mumbai Indians, with the exception of Brett Lee, who recorded an average of 67 while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011.

Reflecting on the Mumbai Indians’ Woes

The struggles of the Mumbai Indians extended beyond just one player. The franchise concluded their 2026 campaign in the ninth position, narrowly escaping the bottom of the table thanks to a superior net run rate compared to the Lucknow Super Giants. With only eight points from 14 games, the team’s performance has been a subject of intense scrutiny from analysts and former players alike.

Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his official YouTube channel, did not mince words regarding the current state of the Mumbai Indians roster. The veteran spinner expressed his dismay at the team’s inability to click, noting, “Mumbai’s side felt a bit strange this year. They have quality players, but it will not surprise me if they struggle for one more season. Their team structure has players who aren’t at their best.”

Looking Toward 2027

Ashwin further highlighted the severity of the situation regarding the team’s senior core. Regarding Bumrah’s record, he added, “Bumrah wasn’t playing today, and he has recorded the worst ever bowling average in the history of the league. This is the first time any bowler has been part of a full season of the league and averaged over 100.”

For Mumbai Indians, the roadmap to redemption in 2027 will require significant recalibration. Whether it involves changing the team structure or supporting their seasoned stars to regain their peak form, the franchise faces a pivotal off-season. As for Bumrah, the cricketing world remains aware of his immense talent, and fans will be looking for a swift return to his dominant form in the coming year. This season serves as a rare anomaly in an otherwise illustrious career defined by excellence and match-winning performances.