A major update has emerged regarding the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, the star pacer of Mumbai Indians (MI). Reports suggest Bumrah may miss the initial matches of IPL 2025 due to an ongoing back injury.
Sports News: Jasprit Bumrah might be sidelined for the first few matches of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians, as he is yet to fully recover from his injury. This injury has kept him off the field since January. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Bumrah could rejoin the team in early April, but Mumbai Indians have three matches scheduled in March. His participation will depend on the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical team clearing him as fully fit.
Missed Champions Trophy Due to Injury
Bumrah suffered a lower back strain during the Sydney Test on January 4th. Consequently, he missed the Champions Trophy 2025, where the Indian team emerged victorious. This marks the second instance of a back issue for Bumrah since his back surgery in March 2023. This poses a concern for both MI and Indian cricket.
According to the ESPNcricinfo report, Bumrah might join the MI squad in early April. However, Mumbai Indians have three matches in March which he may miss. Bumrah's return to the team hinges on the BCCI medical team declaring him completely fit.
Mumbai Indians' Initial Schedule
March 23: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs MI – Chennai
March 29: Gujarat Titans (GT) vs MI – Ahmedabad
March 31: MI vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Mumbai
April 4: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs MI – Lucknow
April 7: MI vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – Mumbai
If Bumrah's recovery is not on track, he might miss several of these matches.
Is Bumrah's Return in Jeopardy?
Shane Bond, MI's former bowling coach and a New Zealand fast bowling legend, has already voiced concerns regarding Bumrah's injury. Bond stated that a re-injury at the same surgical site could be career-threatening for Bumrah. He also highlighted the risks associated with fast bowlers quickly switching between T20 and Test cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah has consistently played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians' success. His absence could significantly weaken the team's bowling attack. Furthermore, it is a cause for concern for the Indian team, as Bumrah will be a key player in several crucial tournaments next year.
