Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said Trent Boult’s impactless bowling in the Powerplay overs is a cause of concern for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. Boult conceded 38 runs in his quota of four overs and went wicketless against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.
MI went on to concede 220 runs after Hardik Pandya decided to bowl first. Boult proved costly in the Powerplay overs as Ajinkya Rahane and his compatriot Finn Allen took him to cleaners with the new ball.
Ashwin noted Allah Ghazanfar also could not execute well as the mystery spinner was short in his length.
“I was a little surprised actually, Mumbai did not execute well in the powerplay. Trent Boult did not start well; it is a matter of some concern. Allah Ghazanfar, on whom MI have had a lot of faith, his debut game also did not go so well. But all in all, even after a lacklustre bowling performance, Mumbai won the match comfortably,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
On the other hand, Varun Chakravarthy had a poor run in the T20 World Cup as he was on the expensive side. The mystery spinner was taken for 48 runs in his four overs and Ashwin reckons the 34-year-old is still low on confidence.
“KKR were very light in the bowling department today. Sunil Narine’s match-up against Rohit Sharma is really good, but they did not bowl him in the powerplay only. The way Varun Chakaravarthy’s form has dipped in the T20 World Cup 2026, it has made a lot of difference. His confidence is still a little low. He will have to work a little, he has to bowl defensively. I think he needs one or two good games to get his confidence back. KKR need Chakaravarthy and Narine to fire on all cylinders,” R Ashwin said.
The former off-spinner said KKR will need to find the right answers with the ball after their six-wicket loss.
“KKR will have to find answers. There is a lot lacking in their bowling and they have a lot of questions to answer. They will be hoping that Matheesha Pathirana gets fit as soon as possible. If he is not fit, there is a lot of gap in their bowling,” he added.
Mumbai Indians will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Saturday.
