NEW DELHI: Former India captain, 1983 World Cup winner and former selector Kris Srikkanth lavished praise on Jasprit Bumrah for his leadership during Mumbai Indians’ six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Bumrah’s maiden outing as Mumbai Indians skipper turned into a memorable one as he guided the side to an important win in the IPL 2026 season.

Sidelined with a back spasm, Pandya first missed Mumbai Indians’ home clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4. He then sat out the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur despite travelling with the squad. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the side.

Pandya also did not travel to Dharamsala for Mumbai Indians’ six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, where Jasprit Bumrah became MI’s third captain this season after Suryakumar missed the game following the birth of his child.

Under Bumrah’s leadership, Shardul Thakur picked up four wickets, while Deepak Chahar claimed two as Punjab Kings posted 200/8. Mumbai Indians then chased down the target in 19.5 overs, powered by Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 75 off just 33 balls.

“It is a good call. I think Bumrah coming in as captain is a fantastic move,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.

He also praised the overall intent and performances from the Mumbai Indians players.

“Surya too didn’t play in that match. He was not playing the match for personal reasons, he did not play the match. But whatever it is, the young side suddenly like you are saying. They come and Deepak Chahar is bowling well. That Raj Angad Bawa fellow is bowling decently. Everyone is performing. Tilak Varma performed brilliantly. Ryan Rickleton smashed and dominated with aggressive shots early on.”

“Overall, the will to win, will to succeed was there. Even though they were down in the dumps, they showed the will to succeed. That is the key in cricket. That energy was there,” said Srikkanth.

Srikkanth added that Bumrah’s calm and encouraging presence on the field helped the bowlers perform with confidence.

“And if you look at the bowling too, even Bumrah was smiling continuously. He was giving lots of confidence to the bowlers. And I thought Bumrah’s captaincy made a huge difference to people like Deepak Chahar. And of course Shardul Thakur, because otherwise, they bowl loose deliveries and leak runs. Today, everyone took wickets,” said Srikkanth.