Former Zimbabwe cricketer-turned expert Pommie Mbangwa has reassured that Jasprit Bumrah will pick up speed in IPL 2026 after a quiet start to the season.
Bumrah is yet to pick up any wickets in the season, but has been economical with his bowling throughout. He has bowled eight overs in the two games and has given away 35 runs and 21 runs, respectively. Mbangwa has backed him to return to baseline with his performances.
“He was so impressive in game one to be able to shift the game when they were being pummeled to all parts. It’s often not him taking wickets but more dotting up an over. He has an over where he goes for 4 or 5 in a 10 or 15 per over game. And he won’t go two games without going so well. He wasn’t so good in Delhi, and it’s not a ground he likes as he doesn’t seem to do well there,” Mbangwa said, speaking on CricBuzz
Bumrah was the best bowler in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, picking up 14 wickets to finish as the joint-highest in the tournament. He had brilliant performances in the semi-finals and finals, also picking up the Player of the Match award in the latter, with a blistering spell of 4/15.
‘There seems to be move control’ – Mbangwa on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Mbangwa also praised the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has started the 2026 season in the same vein as 2025, ahead of the Rajasthan Royals’ clash against the Mumbai Indians. In the Royals’ opening game against the Chennai Super Kings, he smashed a 15-ball half-century, the third-fastest in the IPL. Mbangwa noted the improvement in Vaibhav’s intent and control with shots.
“Watching the first game, despite his antics in the previous season, he looks like there is some sort of improvement. There seems to be a collection of self with more control. Last year, with no expectations, he just went at it. This time around, in both innings, there was control, which is brilliant to see,” said Mbangwa.
Rajasthan Royals come in as the form team, having won their first two games. Mumbai, on the other hand, won their opening game but were unable to beat the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
