In a dramatic twist during IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, Jasprit Bumrah Mumbai Indians’ loss to Punjab Kings sparked much more than just on-field discussion. The five-time champions were eliminated after Punjab successfully chased a massive target of 204 runs, winning with 7 wickets to spare at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 was the highlight of the match, former MI star Harbhajan Singh criticized Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga for their over-involvement from the dugout, arguing that it dampened the team’s spirit and disrupted the players’ execution.
Jasprit Bumrah: Harbhajan Criticizes MI Coaching Staff for Over-Instructing Players During Crucial Moments
Harbhajan Singh, speaking on his YouTube channel, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Lasith Malinga. Jasprit Bumrah, He condemned their excessive involvement during critical phases of the match, especially when MI bowlers were leaking runs.
“Look at the Mumbai Indians dugout. When they were leaking runs, there was way too much involvement from the outside. Coaches are telling a bowler like Bumrah what to do and what not. A dressing room needs to remain calm and composed. Coaches should only give advice. Don’t show desperation. So somewhere I felt that when this happens way too much, it breaks their spirit,” Harbhajan said.
The former India spinner, who was part of many MI triumphs, believed the constant hand gestures and instructions were not just excessive but unnecessary, particularly when given to experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah.
A moment from MI’s Eliminator against Gujarat Titans had already gone viral, showing Jayawardene animatedly instructing Bumrah from the dugout. Bumrah looked visibly irritated and signalled him to calm down, reflecting the tension between the dugout and the players on the field.
“Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya – these are big players. And when they are playing, let them do what they need to do to get the right result for the team. They have won many trophies together. They needed to be shown a lot more faith, but the coaching staff time and again was interfering and gesturing with their hands,” Harbhajan added.
He stressed that coaches should trust experienced players and allow them to lead during pressure situations. “It’s not always about micromanagement. Jasprit Bumrah, Sometimes, it’s just about trusting your men to deliver,” he said.
Jasprit Bumrah: Despite their exit in Qualifier 2, Mumbai Indians can hold their heads high. After finishing last in IPL 2024 and facing criticism following Hardik Pandya’s appointment as captain, MI had a poor start this season, losing five of their first six games.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer’s solid performance, booked their spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru guaranteeing a new IPL champion in 2025.
