Out of nowhere, Dale Steyn stepped in to support Jasprit Bumrah after a rough IPL 2026 outing. Though numbers dipped hard, Steyn pointed back to February, when Bumrah helped India lift the T20 World Cup. Not everything adds up just because stats look thin on paper. Even giants at bat found it tough going through the latest tournament grind. A quiet stretch doesn’t erase what someone brings over time. Being beatable once in a while? That’s how you know they’re real. Confidence lingers around him for next year – maybe even a shot at topping the wicket charts again. This season tested every part of his rhythm. Mumbai Indians held him out of their last match versus Rajasthan Royals, closing his tally at four scalps across thirteen games

Just a few weeks back, he lifted the World Cup trophy – might’ve even been among the top bowlers there. Yet putting all eyes on him feels off somehow. His IPL run? Not great this time around. Some strong hitters in this tournament also started slow, truth be told. That just proves he’s got skin like the rest of us. Back at full strength soon enough, most likely grabbing the Purple Cap when the new season rolls around, Steyn mentioned during his visit to AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel.

Bowling through the entire campaign, Bumrah finished with an average sitting at 102.50 – a figure never seen before in T20s for anyone delivering 40 or more overs in one event.

Surprise marked the quiet campaign, even though Bumrah had shined brightly during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – helping steer India to victory. Though his earlier impact was strong, this stretch felt off rhythm by comparison.

Bumrah sits out India’s next home games versus Afghanistan, as selectors prioritize his recovery before a packed schedule looms late in the year.