Bumrah Injury Update | Mumbai Indians Pacer Set to Miss Start of IPL 2025

Jasprit Bumrah Injury Update: Mumbai Indians Pacer Set to Miss Start of IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to begin their IPL 2025 campaign without their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is still recovering from a back injury. The premier Indian fast bowler is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is unlikely to be available for MI’s first few matches.

Bumrah sustained the injury during the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney on January 4. While MI hoped to have their key bowler fit for the tournament’s opening phase, reports suggest that he may only return to action by early April, subject to medical clearance.

No Clear Timeline for Bumrah’s Return

Bumrah’s fitness remains a significant concern, as this is the first recurrence of his back problems since he underwent surgery in March 2023. The injury ruled him out of the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy, where India clinched the title.

Although Bumrah was named in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, he underwent fresh scans in early February and continued to experience discomfort, forcing him to miss the tournament. Given his importance to both MI and the Indian national team, the medical staff is closely monitoring his progress.

MI’s Tough Schedule Without Bumrah

Mumbai Indians will have to navigate a challenging start to IPL 2025 without their pace spearhead. Their opening fixtures include:

• March 23: vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai)

• March 29: vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad)

• March 31: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Mumbai)

• April 4: vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow)

• April 7: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Mumbai)

While there is no official confirmation on exactly how many games Bumrah will miss, his return is expected sometime in early April, meaning he could be unavailable for at least three to four matches.

Shane Bond Raises Concerns Over Bumrah’s Fitness

Former MI bowling coach Shane Bond has voiced concerns about Bumrah’s recurring back injuries. Having battled similar issues during his career, Bond warned that another major setback in the same area could be career-threatening.

"If he suffers another injury in the spot where he had surgery, it could be a career ender," Bond said. He also highlighted the risks of transitioning too quickly from T20 cricket to Test cricket, with India scheduled to tour England for a five-Test series in June, just a month after the IPL concludes.

MI’s Backup Plan in Bumrah’s Absence

Mumbai Indians will need to rely on other pacers to fill the void left by Bumrah. The five-time champions acquired Trent Boult in the IPL 2025 mega auction, and the New Zealand left-arm pacer will be expected to lead the attack in Bumrah’s absence. Additionally, Deepak Chahar and the team’s young pace options will need to step up during the crucial opening phase of the season.

While MI would have preferred to start the season with their best bowling combination, the franchise is likely to exercise caution with Bumrah’s return. With a long tournament ahead, his availability in the latter stages will be crucial for MI’s playoff push.

India’s Management Keeping a Close Watch

With Bumrah being a key player in India’s Test squad, the BCCI medical team will be extra cautious with his workload. Given that India will face England in a grueling five-Test series in June, managing Bumrah’s fitness remains a top priority.

Bumrah’s unique bowling action makes him more susceptible to back issues, and both MI and the national team management are keen on ensuring he does not rush back into action prematurely.

What’s Next for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians, led by their new-look bowling attack, will have to find ways to compensate for Bumrah’s absence in the first phase of the tournament. While his return is anticipated in early April, MI will be hoping that their pacers, led by Boult and Chahar, can deliver strong performances until their premier fast bowler is fully fit.