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Kieron Pollard Defends Jasprit Bumrah Amid IPL Struggles

In the ongoing IPL 2026 season, the Mumbai Indians are facing significant challenges, with star bowler Jasprit Bumrah underperforming. Kieron Pollard, the team's batting coach, has come to Bumrah's defense, highlighting that even elite players can have tough times. Pollard urges fans to remember Bumrah's past achievements and show understanding during this difficult phase. Despite Bumrah's recent struggles, including a costly performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pollard emphasizes the importance of compassion for athletes under pressure. This article delves into the current state of the Mumbai Indians and the support for their star bowler.
By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 30, 2026, 19:05 IST

Mumbai Indians' Disappointing IPL 2026 Performance


The Mumbai Indians are facing a challenging season in IPL 2026, struggling with a series of defeats and desperately seeking their first win. Star bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also experiencing a dip in form, leading to criticism of his performance.


Kieron Pollard, the batting coach for MI, has come forward to support Bumrah, acknowledging that even top players can have off days or seasons. He urged fans to show some compassion towards the bowler.

In a recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bumrah conceded 54 runs without taking a wicket, marking one of his most expensive bowling spells in IPL history. Despite MI scoring 234 runs, they lost the match as Hyderabad chased down the target with 249 runs in just 18.4 overs.


When asked about Bumrah's struggles, Pollard emphasized that when a player is not performing well, it's essential to analyze the reasons behind it. He noted that Bumrah has consistently delivered exceptional performances over the years.


Pollard further stated that as human beings, players are entitled to have bad days or seasons. He believes it's crucial to remember the positive contributions Bumrah has made to both Mumbai and India, even if he hasn't met expectations recently. He highlighted that athletes often face intense scrutiny, and their poor performances are magnified.