Mumbai Indians (MI) are facing a potential setback as Jasprit Bumrah's return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is likely to be delayed. This news comes just weeks before the start of the season, causing concern for the Mumbai-based team and its fans.
The delay is linked to Bumrah's recovery from a lower back injury he sustained during the fifth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He also got ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 because of this.
As per a report by the Times of India, Bumrah is yet to bowl at full tilt and is currently rehabilitating at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
He is yet to get the clearance from the medical team and is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2025.
"Bumrah's medical reports are okay. He has resumed bowling at the CoE. However, it is unlikely he'll be able to bowl at the start of the IPL in another fortnight. As per current status, the first week of April looks a more realistic date for him to get back to high-intensity cricket," a BCCI source said as quoted to TOI.
"It’s standard operating procedure. The medical team will gradually build up his workload and intensity. Unless he is able to bowl full tilt without any discomfort for some days, the medical team is unlikely to clear him," the source added.
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BCCI monitoring Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery
While the fast-bowler is expected to get fit during the IPL, India have a grueling five-match Test series planned against England immediately after it. The BCCI do not want to take any chances on Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, who also recovered from an injury recently. The board will monitor the fitness of the two fast-bowlers in the IPL.
"How Shami and Bumrah endure the long IPL will be important. Shami is under constant watch. If the selectors get both of them together for two-three Tests, it will be the ideal situation. The team management will also be cautious of pushing the duo to play all Tests together. Nobody wants either of them breaking down in the middle of a Test, like it happened with Bumrah in Sydney. Too much depended on Bumrah alone in Australia," the source added.
Jasprit Bumrah's delayed recovery a major worry for Mumbai Indians
In Bumrah's absence, Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar will lead MI’s bowling attack. While the duo can do well with the new ball, Mumbai will have an issue, bowling in the slog overs.
The Hardik Pandya-led side will start their campaign against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. They will then face Gujarat Titans (GT), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Kings (LSG) on March 29, March 31 and April 4 respectively. Bumrah could mark his return in the match versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scheduled on April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.
