Senior India fast bowler Umesh Yadav believes Jasprit Bumrah has struggled in IPL 2026 because he is “trying a lot of things”, whereas Bhuvneshwar Kumar has thrived due to clear planning and disciplined execution.
Bhuvneshwar has been one of the standout bowlers of the ongoing season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, picking up 17 wickets in nine matches so far. In contrast, Bumrah has endured an unusually quiet campaign for Mumbai Indians, managing only three wickets from 10 matches.
Speaking as a JioHotstar expert, Umesh explained the difference between the two senior pacers and highlighted how clarity in role definition has helped Bhuvneshwar succeed.
“Bhuvi’s and his team’s planning is clear. He bowls in the Powerplay and death overs, and his game plan is set. He is able to swing it both ways,” Umesh said.
He further praised Bhuvneshwar’s consistency and control.
“Bhuvi is consistent with his line and length and variations, and Bumrah is trying a lot of things, which is creating problems for him.”
According to Umesh, Bumrah’s usage by Mumbai Indians has also affected his effectiveness this season.
“Bumrah is not consistent this season for Mumbai. Sometimes he is asked to bowl in the Powerplay, and sometimes he comes on to bowl in situations that are not under pressure. That is affecting him. MI needs to create chances for Bumrah to attack and give him opportunities to take wickets,” he added.
Umesh Questions Lucknow Super Giants’ Team Combination
Umesh also shared his views on Rishabh Pant and the struggles of Lucknow Super Giants this season.
Pant, who is leading the side, has failed to make a major impact with the bat, while the franchise has struggled to maintain consistency throughout IPL 2026.
“It’s his decision, he has got responsibility and he needs to take decisions. In the last two years, his and the team’s performance has been down. This year, the batting is up and down, unlike last year,” Umesh said.
He pointed out that Lucknow’s inability to settle on a stable playing combination has hurt their campaign.
“The combination is not settling. Pant’s form is not good, Nicholas Pooran has only scored in the last match. Everything is not working for them. Batting is an issue this year. Everyone needs to contribute together in T20.”
The veteran pacer also criticised the frequent changes in the batting order.
“Their batting order is not consistent. You are just searching; you need to believe a bit and not change the order in every match. For that, you need to sit and talk with the batters,” he said.
Umesh Predicts IPL 2026 Playoff Contenders
When asked to predict the teams most likely to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, Umesh named four strong contenders.
“Punjab, RCB, Rajasthan and SRH are likely contenders for the top four,” he said.
At the moment, Sunrisers Hyderabad and RCB are among the in-form teams of the tournament, while Punjab Kings have also impressed with consistent performances throughout the season.