MI Owners Jasprit Bumrah. [Source - AFP]Mumbai Indians have finally handed Jasprit Bumrah the captaincy opportunity during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala. The Indian pace spearhead is leading the franchise for the first time under difficult circumstances.The moment has also sparked major discussion among fans after Bumrah made a candid statement during the toss. Many supporters are interpreting the comments as a subtle dig at Mumbai Indians owners for delaying his captaincy opportunity in IPL.Jasprit Bumrah subtle dig on MI owners over late captaincy opportunities With both Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav unavailable, Mumbai Indians have turned towards Jasprit Bumrah for leadership duties against Punjab Kings in Match 58 of IPL 2026 in Dharamshala. It marks the first time Bumrah is captaining Mumbai Indians in his career.“I didn't think that I will be a Test captain before becoming MI captain,” Bumrah says with a smile during the toss, a remark that instantly catches fans’ attention online and creates discussions around Mumbai Indians’ past captaincy decisions and not involving the experienced Jasprit Bumrah in it. Bumrah captained India in Test cricket for the first time back in 2022 during the England Test in Rohit Sharma’s absence. He also goes on to lead India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia during 2024-25, making many feel Mumbai Indians delayed his leadership opportunity.Also Read: Revealed: Why Suryakumar Yadav Is Not Playing Today’s IPL 2026 Match Against Punjab Kings?Why would Jasprit Bumrah take such a dig on MI owners? Jasprit Bumrah’s comments sounded significant because many fans and Bumrah himself might have felt that he could have been a leadership option for Mumbai Indians after Rohit Sharma was asked to step down from captaincy. However, the franchise instead appointed Hardik Pandya following his return from Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL 2024 season. During that controversial captaincy transition, Bumrah had also shared cryptic social media posts which many supporters interpreted as disappointment around the decision. While the Indian pacer never directly criticised Mumbai Indians owners publicly, his latest comment during the toss against Punjab Kings has again reignited conversations.Ironically, Bumrah is finally receiving the captaincy opportunity only when Mumbai Indians are already out of IPL 2026 playoff contention with just three wins in eleven matches. Still, the premier fast bowler would hope to change the team’s fortunes and finish the campaign strongly during his first outing as skipper. Also Read: Fresh Update Emerges On Hardik Pandya Trade After MI’s IPL 2026 EliminationJasprit Bumrah eyes perfect chance to prove MI owners wrong It has been a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians so far as the five-time champions have managed only three wins in eleven matches. Both Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have also endured difficult periods while leading the struggling side this season. Jasprit Bumrah himself is also going through a comparatively difficult season with the ball by his high standards. However, the Indian fast bowler would now hope to prove his leadership value by guiding Mumbai Indians towards victory and making an immediate impact in his first game as captain. Follow PBKS vs MI Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash
