Mumbai Indians (MI) are bracing for a challenging start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, as their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, is likely to miss the initial two weeks of the tournament due to a lower back injury. This development comes as a significant blow to the franchise, which has heavily relied on Bumrah’s expertise in the bowling department over the years.
Bumrah sustained this injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. The injury not only sidelined him from the remainder of that series but also led to his exclusion from the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, where India has progressed to the final without his services. His absence in key tournaments has already been felt, and Mumbai Indians will now have to prepare for the possibility of starting the IPL season without their best bowler.
Currently, Bumrah is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. While he has resumed bowling, he has yet to reach full match intensity. Reports suggest that his workload is being carefully monitored, and he is being gradually eased into high-intensity training. The first week of April is being considered as a more realistic timeline for his return to competitive cricket. If this timeline holds, Bumrah could miss at least the first three to four matches of MI’s campaign.
This potential delay means Mumbai Indians will have to rethink their bowling strategies for the early stages of IPL 2025. Bumrah’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death makes him an indispensable part of the squad. Without him, the team management will have to rely on other fast bowlers to fill the void. The likes of Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, and new overseas recruits will be expected to step up in his absence.
Mumbai Indians are scheduled to commence their IPL 2025 journey against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In Bumrah’s absence, the onus will be on the other pacers in the squad to lead the attack. The pressure will also be on MI’s star all-rounders to contribute with the ball, as a makeshift strategy to cover for the missing firepower.
The team management might also explore alternative strategies, such as relying more on spin bowling or bringing in additional pacers to maintain balance. The absence of an experienced bowler like Bumrah, however, will certainly affect the team’s confidence in the bowling department. His presence on the field is not just about his skills but also his leadership and ability to handle pressure situations.
For Bumrah, the priority remains a full recovery to avoid recurring injuries. Given his pivotal role in India’s bowling lineup, both MI and the national team will be cautious about his return. There will be no rush to bring him back into action before he is fully fit, as his long-term fitness is crucial for upcoming international assignments, including the T20 World Cup later this year.
As IPL 2025 approaches, fans will be keeping a close watch on Bumrah’s recovery updates. His return will be eagerly awaited, but until then, Mumbai Indians will have to find a way to cope with his absence and ensure they don’t lose crucial points in the early stages of the tournament.
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