Dale Steyn Supports Jasprit Bumrah After IPL 2026 Struggles

Dale Steyn has come to the defense of Jasprit Bumrah following a disappointing IPL 2026 season, reminding fans of Bumrah's crucial role in India's recent T20 World Cup victory. Despite a challenging campaign where he recorded a high bowling average, Steyn believes Bumrah will rebound stronger next season. The fast bowler has been rested for the upcoming series against Afghanistan to ensure he is fit for future international commitments. Steyn's confidence in Bumrah's abilities suggests a promising return for the pacer in the next IPL season.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 19:06 IST

Steyn's Confidence in Bumrah

Dale Steyn, the former South African fast bowler, has expressed his support for Jasprit Bumrah following a challenging IPL 2026 season. He reminded critics that Bumrah had been instrumental in India's recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory just months prior.

Bumrah's Resilience

Steyn emphasized that a disappointing IPL performance does not diminish Bumrah's talent, noting that even elite batsmen faced difficulties during the tournament. He believes this rough patch highlights Bumrah's humanity and is confident that the bowler will bounce back stronger next season, potentially contending for the Purple Cap. In IPL 2026, Bumrah had one of his toughest seasons, finishing with only four wickets across 13 matches and was rested for the final league match against the Rajasthan Royals.

A Challenging Season

Bumrah concluded the season with a bowling average of 102.50, marking the highest ever for a bowler in T20 history among those who bowled at least 40 overs in a single tournament. This disappointing performance was unexpected, especially considering his stellar contributions during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he played a key role in securing the championship for India.

Focus on Recovery

Looking ahead, Bumrah has been rested for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan. The team's management is prioritizing his recovery to ensure he is fully fit for a demanding international schedule later this year.