Goa, April 30 -- "He hasn't been up to the mark. but he's still been a number one bowler for Mumbai Indians and India over a period of time." That was the honest yet supportive assessment from Kieron Pollard on Jasprit Bumrah's underwhelming run in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Bumrah, widely regarded as the backbone of Mumbai Indians' bowling attack, has endured a rare dip in form this season. With just two wickets in eight matches and an economy rate climbing to 8.80, the numbers reflect a struggle that MI have felt collectively.

Pollard, however, was quick to remind critics of the bigger picture. "As a human being, he is entitled to make mistakes, not have a good day, or even a good season," he said, backing the ace pacer despite t...