New Delhi: Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene feels it will be a ‘challenge’ for the team to start the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season without ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is currently recovering from a back injury that he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia.
Bumrah suffered a stress-related lower back injury during the final 5th Test in Sydney and went on to miss the Champions Trophy 2025 for India after being asked by the BCCI medical staff to offload for five weeks. He was initially named in India’s Champions Trophy squad but was later replaced by spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.
Bumrah is set to miss an initial few matches for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2025 as he continues to recover from his back injury. He will not be seen in action for the five-time champions in their season opener against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their season opener on Sunday, March 23.
Providing an update on Bumrah’s potential return, Mumbai Indians head coach Jayawardene said that the pacer has started his recovery process but it will take some time before he gains match fitness and receives the green signal from the medical staff at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The Sri Lanka great said it will be a challenge for MI to begin the season without the premier pacer.
“(Bumrah)has just started his progress. We have to wait and see what their [BCCI medical team] feedback is on him,” Jayawardene said in a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.
“At the moment, everything is going well. But, obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis. He is in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and he has been a fantastic pro for us for many years,” he added.
Opportunity for someone else to step up: Jaywardene
In his absence, Mumbai Indians will rely heavily on the experienced duo of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to share the wicket-taking responsibilities with the new and the old ball. Mumbai Indians might also be tempted to give a chance to England pacer Reece Toppley. Jayawardene believes Bumrah’s absence gives Mumbai Indians a chance to see if others can step up in the role and do well for the team.
“We’ll have to wait or find an opportunity for someone else to step up. That’s how I see it. It gives us an element of trying a few things and see how things work. The early part of the season allows us to do that,” said the MI head coach.
Bumrah, who has played for Mumbai Indians throughout his IPL career, is arguably the most important player in their line-up. He has been one of the most prolific wicket-takers in the league over the years and has won several matches for his team single-handedly. Bumrah was also Mumbai Indians’ top retention ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction for a whopping Rs 18 crore.
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene provided major update on Jasprit Bumrah’s return to fitness ahead of the start of the IPL 2025. Jayawardene said it will be a challenge to start the season without Bumrah. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
