What situation did you create for him?

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has blamed the Mumbai Indians (MI) team management for not using star bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the ideal situation and circumstances amid their dismal Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign. The five-time champions are currently placed ninth in the points table, while the spearhead has picked up only two wickets at an average of 132.00.

Jasprit Bumrah endured a five-match wicket-less run at the start of the IPL 2026 season, before ending the drought in the massive win over the Gujarat Titans (GT). However, he has regressed once again following poor figures of 0-54 in the recent alarming loss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium.

Jasprit Bumrah, already struggling with his rhythm, has had to bowl under some tough circumstances, especially after the opposition have found some early flow. The star pacer has also lacked support from the other bowlers, with the likes of Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult also struggling equally.

Manoj Tiwary backs that the MI’s bowling attack has the ability to defend targets over 200 with ease, if they get their planning and execution right.

“They will have to go back to the drawing board and do the things that made MI. You have the players. In my opinion, if the bowlers are used well, like Jasprit Bumrah’s first over, we are repeating the fact that Bumrah is getting hit for runs, but what situation did you create for him, that is also important to note. I think that Ashwani Kumar should bowl with the new ball with Bumrah, because he can move the ball. So, if such small changes are made, I feel that if they score more than 200, they can defend it,” Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.

MI are in a do-or-die situtation after losing six of their first eight matches of the season. They next face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on Saturday, May 2, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

“Something is not going well” – Murali Kartik on MI’s woeful IPL 2026 campaign ahead of match against CSK

Former India spinner Murali Kartik noted that MI are massively underachieving given the resources and potential they have in their squad.

“There is no problem with this team on paper, but something is not going well. I keep thinking what can MI do, they are doing a lot of things right, but a lot of things are not in their control as well. It is very surprising that we are seeing this team so low in the points table,” Murali Kartik said.

Since 2023, MI have only won once against their arch-rivals. Although they have a dominant record at Chepauk, their last win against CSK at the venue came in 2019.