Mumbai Indians’ star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has made a return to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, aiming to secure clearance for participation in the upcoming IPL 2025. This marks his second visit in just over a week, with this assessment crucial in determining his availability for the season. Bumrah has already been ruled out of the initial matches due to a persistent back injury.
Reports indicate that during his last visit, Bumrah experienced some discomfort while bowling, prompting NCA officials to recommend specific exercises and a follow-up visit. However, there is growing optimism about his recovery progress this time around.
If Bumrah can bowl comfortably without pain, he may receive the green light to play in the IPL. Nevertheless, experts suggest that he will likely need at least another week to reach full fitness before participating in a league match.
“Bumrah has just started his progress,” stated MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene during a recent press conference. “We have to wait and see what the feedback is from the NCA. Currently, everything is looking positive, but it’s a day-to-day evaluation. He is in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge, as he is one of the best bowlers in the world and has been a fantastic professional for us for many years.”
Jayawardene also emphasized the importance of finding opportunities for other players to step up in Bumrah’s absence. “This gives us a chance to experiment and see how things work. The early part of the season allows us to do that,” he added.
The Mumbai Indians also boast a strong lineup of pace bowlers, including New Zealand’s Trent Boult, Indian quick Deepak Chahar, England’s Reece Topley, and South Africa’s Corbin Bosch, who is stepping in for the injured Lizaad Williams. Additionally, the team includes all-rounder Hardik Pandya and uncapped talents like Arjun Tendulkar, Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju, and Raj Angad Bawa.
The Mumbai Indians are set to commence their IPL 2025 campaign against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk on Sunday.
