IPL 2022 | MI does not have a bowler to support Jasprit Bumrah, opines Irfan Pathan

Mumbai Indians, traditionally slow starters in the Indian Premier League (IPL),  had a torrid start in the ongoing season of the cash-rich league. They have lost all three matches so far in the tournament and were placed ninth on the points table, only above Sunrisers Hyderabad. While their batters did stage impressive shows sometimes, their bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, did not seem as lethal as they used to be.

“Mumbai Indians know how to make a comeback from situations like these. They've done it in the past, back in 2014 and 2015. In IPL 2015, they were in a similar situation and came from behind to lift the title, but that team was a little different. This year, MI doesn't have a bowler who can support (Jasprit) Bumrah well. This is a major headache for the captain,” Pathan said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Live.

“MI's batting still looks good as they have young Tilak Varma doing well, Suryakumar Yadav starred in his comeback game, and Ishan Kishan has been firing at the top,” he added.

“You hope Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard will also score runs as the tournament progresses but their bowling department looks weak, especially the pace attack. Traditionally, the pitches in Maharashtra have suited fast bowlers and if the seamers do their job well, then Murugan Ashwin will also return with better figures.”