The India pacer has gone wicketless in five matches this season and endured another tough outing at the Wankhede Stadium against Punjab Kings, where he conceded 41 runs as Mumbai Indians suffered a seven-wicket defeat on April 16.
Pathan believes Bumrah’s struggles are linked to his execution of slower deliveries and his inability to consistently bowl at higher pace. He also feels the pacer has been bowling shorter lengths, which has reduced his effectiveness.
“Jasprit Bumrah being wicketless is a problem for them. He hasn’t been able to bowl at high pace, and his slower ones have been short. He needs to pitch it up. He doesn’t seem to be injured, but I think these two things are causing problems. He needs to bowl the slower one fuller and bowl more high-pace deliveries,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
While highlighting Mumbai Indians’ defeat, Pathan also praised Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer for his composed batting display. Iyer smashed 66 off 35 balls, helping his side chase down 196 in just 16.3 overs. Pathan noted Iyer’s control in reading Bumrah’s short-ball strategy and executing it confidently.
He further lauded wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh for his match-winning knock of 80 off 39 balls. The Punjab opener struck 11 fours and two sixes, showcasing improved maturity and smart shot selection throughout the chase.
“No matter how much you praise this unbeaten 80, it won’t be enough. He has shown great control and improvement… He was waiting for the slower ones from Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur. He didn’t step out against Bumrah, but he showed aggression while facing him as well,” Pathan added.
