Mumbai Indians Face Setback as Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss Initial IPL 2025 Matches

Mumbai Indians Face Setback as Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss Initial IPL 2025 Matches

Fitness Concerns for Mumbai Indians as Bumrah Set to Miss First Few Matches

With the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 set to kick off on March 22, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season opener at Eden Gardens. However, amidst the excitement, Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, might face an early setback as their ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the first two to three matches due to his ongoing recovery from a lower back injury.

Bumrah, who sustained the injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in January, has been undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. According to reports from the Times of India, the 31-year-old speedster is unlikely to return to full-intensity bowling until early April.

Bumrah’s Recovery and Fitness Plan

As per a BCCI source, Bumrah’s medical reports have been positive, and he has resumed bowling at the Centre of Excellence (CoE). However, the board is following a cautious approach to ensure his full fitness before allowing him to return to competitive cricket.

"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 the current status, the first week of April looks like a more realistic date for him to get back to high-intensity cricket," a BCCI official was quoted as saying.

The medical team has been closely monitoring his workload and intensity, following standard protocols to avoid any relapse. "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," added the source.

IPL 2025 and India's England Tour: Managing Workload of Bumrah and Shami

While Mumbai Indians will be eager to have their strike bowler back, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) are keeping a close eye on both Bumrah and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, with India’s crucial Test series against England following 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,” a source explained.

India has a history of struggling with key pacers sustaining injuries during crucial tours, and the BCCI is keen to avoid such scenarios ahead of the England series. With fast bowlers being a vital asset in English conditions, the team management will have to carefully balance their participation in the IPL and their availability for red-ball cricket.

Mumbai Indians’ Early Season Challenge Without Bumrah

Mumbai Indians have always relied heavily on Bumrah to spearhead their bowling attack. With his ability to deliver lethal yorkers and control the death overs, his absence will undoubtedly be felt in the opening games. The franchise will likely turn to other pacers, including Jofra Archer and Jason Behrendorff, to lead the attack in his absence.

While Mumbai boasts one of the strongest squads in IPL history, Bumrah’s void will test their bowling depth in the early matches. The team will hope for his swift return to maintain their dominance in the league.

The Road to IPL 2025: Fitness and Strategic Planning

Bumrah’s fitness will be crucial not just for Mumbai Indians but also for the Indian team’s long-term plans. His workload will need to be managed carefully to prevent any further setbacks. The selectors and medical team will have to strike a balance between his T20 commitments and his availability for the England Tests.

For now, Mumbai Indians fans will be keeping a close eye on his recovery, hoping to see their talismanic pacer back in action soon. Meanwhile, cricket enthusiasts can follow all the latest updates on the IPL and India's England tour.