Ashwin Backs Bumrah and Pandya as Mumbai Indians Crush Gujarat Titans
Jasprit Bumrah snapped a frustrating six-match wicketless streak during the Mumbai Indians’ commanding 99-run victory over the Gujarat Titans in the 2026 Indian Premier League. The drought, which stretched back to last season’s playoffs, prompted veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to analyze the fast bowler’s temporary drop in production.
Mumbai Indians Dominate Gujarat Titans
Mumbai recovered from a challenging 44/3 in the powerplay to post a formidable 199/5. Tilak Varma anchored the recovery with an unbeaten 101 off 45 deliveries, supported by Naman Dhir’s 45 runs. The Gujarat Titans bowling attack featured Kagiso Rabada claiming 3/33, while Mohammed Siraj maintained an economical spell.
In response, Gujarat’s batting lineup collapsed, managing only 100 runs in 15.5 overs. The Mumbai bowling unit executed their plans flawlessly to secure the comprehensive win.
Key Bowling Performances for Mumbai
- Ashwani Kumar: Career-best 4/24 to tear through the opposition.
- Allah Ghazanfar: Claimed two wickets in the middle overs.
- Mitchell Santner: Provided strict control with two dismissals.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Secured his first wicket of the 2026 season to end his statistical drought.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 199/5 (20 overs) | Tilak Varma (101*) |
| Gujarat Titans | 100 all out (15.5 overs) | Kagiso Rabada (3/33) |
Ashwin Analyzes Bumrah’s Rhythm Adjustments
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin addressed Bumrah’s return to the wicket column. According to the former Board of Control for Cricket in India international standout, external pressure and the team’s early losses contributed to the fast bowler’s statistical decline, despite strong underlying metrics in the initial fixtures.
“I still think Bumrah bowled really well in the first two matches, but then the team started losing. Then the narrative also started that Bumrah was not getting wickets,” Ashwin said. He observed that Bumrah appeared frustrated and uncharacteristically out of rhythm during recent matches against the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Support for Hardik Pandya
Ashwin also expressed confidence in Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. According to official ESPNcricinfo records, the all-rounder has accumulated 96 runs across five innings this season, maintaining an average of 24.00 and a strike rate exceeding 143, with a high score of 40.
Ashwin indicated that securing a victory as captain relieves immense pressure, which should translate to improved batting performances. If Pandya finds his timing and starts anchoring innings, Mumbai’s roster possesses the depth to challenge any opponent in the remainder of the tournament.