Trent Boult's struggles in IPL 2026 have been a major concern for Mumbai Indians, with the premium fast bowler failing to deliver in his first three matches.
What happened?
Ashwani Kumar, a cheaper bowling option, delivered a match-winning performance against Gujarat Titans, taking 4 wickets at an economy rate of 6.00.
The result was a sharp reminder that Mumbai's best bowling return came from the least expensive hand.
Ashwani's figures were elite from every angle, with 14 dots and a dot-ball percentage of 58.33.
Why it matters for Trent Boult
Trent Boult has played three matches in IPL 2026 so far, bowling 54 legal balls, conceding 110 runs, and taking one wicket at an economy rate of 12.22.
He has managed 12 dot balls, which leaves him with a dot-ball percentage of 22.22, and conceded 14 boundaries, including eight sixes.
What comes next?
The powerplay numbers are especially damaging for Boult, with 24 powerplay balls conceded for 56 runs and no wickets.
Ashwani Kumar's impact model score was 75.12, placing him in the "major impact" bracket, while Boult's season-so-far returns sit far lower at 7.24.
And with Ashwani's single-game impact being more than ten times Boult's entire tournament total, the pressure is on Boult to perform.
But for now, Ashwani Kumar is the one making headlines, with his impressive performance against Gujarat Titans.
So what can we expect from Trent Boult in his next match?
The Mumbai Indians will be hoping for a significant improvement from their premium fast bowler.
With the tournament heating up, every match counts, and Boult will need to step up his game if he wants to make an impact.
As it stands, Ashwani Kumar is the one shining bright, with his economy rate and wicket-taking ability making him a valuable asset to the team.
In the end, it's all about performance, and right now, Ashwani Kumar is outperforming Trent Boult.