Mumbai Indians (MI) fans are worried as Jasprit Bumrah’s injury might force him to miss the first few matches of IPL 2025. The star pacer’s back injury, which flared up in late 2024, has put MI’s title hopes under pressure.
What Happened to Bumrah?
Bumrah’s injury occurred during the fifth Test against Australia in December 2024. He walked off the field mid-match with back spasms and was later ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025. The BCCI confirmed his absence on February 11, citing a lower back injury. Since then, Bumrah has been recovering at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
While Bumrah resumed bowling in late February and posted “Progress everyday” on Instagram, reports from The Times of India on March 7 stated that he’s still not bowling at full speed. The medical team is aiming for an early April return, meaning Bumrah may miss MI’s first four matches.
MI’s Upcoming Fixtures
MI’s opening matches could be challenging without Bumrah:
- March 23 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai)
- March 27 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad)
- March 31 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Mumbai)
- April 4 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata)
Facing these strong opponents without their top bowler could hurt MI’s chances.
Can MI’s New Signings Fill the Gap?
MI invested heavily in Trent Boult (₹12.5 crore) and Deepak Chahar (₹9.25 crore) during the IPL 2025 auction. Boult, with 121 wickets in 104 IPL matches, and Chahar, with 79 wickets in 81 games, bring solid experience. However, Bumrah’s ability to control the final overs will be tough to replace. Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini provide additional backup, but the pressure will be on Boult and Chahar to step up.
What’s Next for Bumrah?
The BCCI is prioritizing Bumrah’s recovery for the Test series against England in June 2025. With Rohit Sharma potentially stepping back from captaincy, Bumrah is a key contender for the role. This careful approach mirrors 2023 when Bumrah skipped the IPL but returned strong for the World Cup.
Will MI Survive Without Bumrah?
MI’s last IPL title win was in 2020, and recent seasons have seen mixed results. Hardik Pandya’s leadership will face a major test in the early stages of IPL 2025. While MI’s batting lineup can deliver runs, their bowling unit will need to perform strongly in Bumrah’s absence. Fans are hopeful the new recruits can rise to the challenge. Stay tuned for updates on Bumrah’s recovery as MI prepares for a crucial IPL 2025 season.
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