Jasprit Bumrah became the first bowler in T20 cricket history to finish a tournament with a bowling average over 100 [1].
The record marks a significant downturn for one of the game's most prominent fast bowlers during the IPL 2026 season [1]. His struggle to maintain efficiency has raised questions about his current form and physical condition.
Bumrah finished the tournament with a bowling average of 102.50 [2]. He managed to take only four wickets [1] across 13 matches [1]. This represents the worst average recorded by any bowler who bowled more than 40 overs in a single tournament [1].
Performance issues were evident during a match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where Bumrah bowled three no-balls in a single game [4]. These errors contributed to a broader pattern of instability that critics have labeled a loss of form [5].
Coach Mahela Jayawardene said the poor performance was due to fitness issues and a lingering niggle [5]. The technical struggles and lack of wickets suggest a disconnect between the bowler's usual precision and his execution this season.
Former players have reacted to the statistics. Sunil Gavaskar said, "Do not tell me again ... not acceptable" [3].
“Jasprit Bumrah became the first bowler in T20 cricket history to finish a tournament with a bowling average over 100.”
This statistical anomaly is unprecedented for a bowler of Bumrah's caliber, signaling a potential crisis in fitness or technique. Because the record applies specifically to bowlers with a significant workload of over 40 overs, it highlights a sustained lack of impact rather than a brief dip in form, putting pressure on the Mumbai Indians to resolve his health issues before future international assignments.
