The Mumbai Indians are facing a challenging season in IPL 2026, struggling with a series of defeats and desperately seeking their first win. Star bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also experiencing a dip in form, leading to criticism of his performance.

Kieron Pollard, the batting coach for MI, has come forward to support Bumrah, acknowledging that even top players can have off days or seasons. He urged fans to show some compassion towards the bowler.

In a recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bumrah conceded 54 runs without taking a wicket, marking one of his most expensive bowling spells in IPL history. Despite MI scoring 234 runs, they lost the match as Hyderabad chased down the target with 249 runs in just 18.4 overs.

When asked about Bumrah's struggles, Pollard emphasized that when a player is not performing well, it's essential to analyze the reasons behind it. He noted that Bumrah has consistently delivered exceptional performances over the years.

Pollard further stated that as human beings, players are entitled to have bad days or seasons. He believes it's crucial to remember the positive contributions Bumrah has made to both Mumbai and India, even if he hasn't met expectations recently. He highlighted that athletes often face intense scrutiny, and their poor performances are magnified.