Jasprit Bumrah scripts unwanted record; becomes first bowler to… average over 100 in IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a tournament of extreme highs and devastating lows, where even the finest modern-day greats can find themselves humbled by the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. In the IPL 2026 season, the cricket fraternity witnessed an unprecedented statistical anomaly involving one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah scripts unwanted record; becomes first bowler to… conclude a full edition of the cash-rich league with an average surpassing the triple-figure mark. This shocking milestone came to light as the Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday at the iconic Wankhede Stadium—a fixture that Bumrah did not feature in, capping off a highly disappointing campaign for both the bowler and his franchise.
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A Season to Forget for the Indian Pace Spearhead
Jasprit Bumrah’s campaign in IPL 2026 will undoubtedly go down as the most challenging period of his illustrious T20 career. Over the course of the tournament, the 32-year-old spearhead managed to secure a mere four wickets. For a bowler renowned for his lethal yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and unmatched economy in the death overs, this output was remarkably lean. Statistically, this is the right-arm pacer’s worst-ever showing in the IPL since the 2015 season. Back in 2015, a young and developing Bumrah managed to pick up just three scalps from four matches, but that was at a far earlier stage of his development. In 2026, as an established global superstar, the expectations were vastly different.
The most damning statistic from this campaign is Bumrah’s bowling average, which ballooned to an astronomical 102.5. This average stands as the worst ever recorded in the history of the Indian Premier League for any bowler in a single season. It represents a shocking departure from the standards of excellence that cricket fans worldwide have come to associate with the Mumbai Indians icon. His best individual performance during this challenging season came against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad, where he registered figures of 1/15. While that spell showcased his trademark control and ability to stifle opposition batters, it remained an isolated highlight in a sea of difficult outings.
Where Bumrah Stands in the History of IPL Bowls
To understand the magnitude of this record, one must look at the historical database of the league’s most expensive seasonal averages. Prior to this season, the player who held the record for the worst bowling average in a single IPL campaign was former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. During the 2014 season, Ojha struggled significantly, registering a bowling average of 95. Bumrah’s average of 102.5 has now surpassed that decade-old record, making him the sole holder of this unwanted distinction.
Other prominent names who have endured highly expensive seasons in the past include legendary Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, and all-rounder Krunal Pandya. These players all saw their seasonal averages climb into the early to mid-60s during their respective tough campaigns. For instance, Brett Lee recorded a bowling average of 67 during the 2011 season while representing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Interestingly, a common thread connects most of these struggles: apart from Brett Lee’s stint with KKR, the likes of Pragyan Ojha, Harbhajan Singh, and Krunal Pandya all experienced these career-low seasonal averages while playing for the Mumbai Indians. Bumrah now joins this list of high-profile players who suffered severe dips in form while donning the Blue and Gold jersey.
Ravichandran Ashwin Voices Concern Over Mumbai Indians’ Hierarchy
The disappointing performance of Mumbai Indians’ marquee players did not escape the attention of analysts and peers. Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed deep dismay regarding the performance of MI’s senior core during the IPL 2026 season. The five-time champions endured an incredibly tough run, finishing the season in the ninth spot on the points table. Out of their 14 league matches, the Mumbai franchise managed to secure just eight points. They only narrowly avoided finishing at the very bottom of the table—the dreaded wooden spoon—thanks to a slightly superior net run-rate compared to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dissected the structural issues plaguing the Mumbai Indians squad. “Mumbai’s side felt a bit strange this year, don’t know why,” Ashwin remarked. “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. If MI don’t have a good season in 2027, I won’t be surprised.”
Ashwin also specifically highlighted Bumrah’s struggles and his absence from the final game at the Wankhede Stadium. The 39-year-old veteran spinner pointed out the historical nature of the pacer’s struggles: “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.”
Looking Ahead to 2027: Can MI and Bumrah Rebound?
The primary concern for the Mumbai Indians management heading into the next cycle will be rebuilding the confidence of their premier fast bowler and restructuring a team that looked disjointed throughout the 2026 season. With senior figures struggling to find their rhythm and the team dynamics appearing out of sync, significant decisions lie ahead. For a player of Jasprit Bumrah’s immense caliber and proven track record on the international stage, this season will likely serve as a powerful motivator to recalibrate, refine his skills, and return to the high standards he has set over the last decade.
