Bumrah Likely to Miss Initial Matches of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss Initial Matches of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the opening matches of the IPL 2025 season for Mumbai Indians (MI) as he continues his recovery from a back injury sustained in January. Bumrah is likely to join the MI squad by early April, pending clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence medical team in Bengaluru.

The pace spearhead has been sidelined since January 4, after suffering a stress-related lower back injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. This setback also ruled him out of the recently concluded Champions Trophy, which India went on to win. This marks Bumrah’s first back injury since undergoing surgery in March 2023.

Recovery Timeline and Return Uncertainty

While announcing India's squad for the Champions Trophy, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had stated that Bumrah needed at least five weeks of rest, beginning from the Sydney Test. Although Bumrah was included in India’s provisional squad for the tournament starting February 19, discomfort during scans in early February led to his withdrawal from the final lineup.

Although his return date remains uncertain, it is believed Bumrah might miss at least the initial three games of MI's season in March.

Mumbai Indians' Opening Fixtures

• March 23: vs Chennai Super Kings (Away)
• March 29: vs Gujarat Titans (Away)
• March 31: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Home)

MI's subsequent fixtures in early April include matches against Lucknow Super Giants (April 4) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 7). Bumrah's availability for these games will depend on his recovery progress.

Workload Concerns and Injury Risks

Bumrah’s unique bowling action has made him prone to back injuries, prompting the BCCI to closely manage his workload. Former MI bowling coach Shane Bond recently highlighted the risks, warning that another injury in the same spot could be "career-ending" for Bumrah.

Bond emphasized that transitioning too quickly from T20 to Test cricket poses significant risks, especially with India's upcoming five-Test tour of England in June, just a month after the IPL concludes.

Bumrah's fitness and workload management will be crucial, not only for MI's IPL campaign but also for India’s preparation for the critical Test series in England.