Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to begin their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign without their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. The star fast bowler is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after suffering an injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that the franchise is closely monitoring Bumrah’s recovery, with updates expected from the NCA on a day-to-day basis. While MI will miss his presence in the initial games, the team is preparing to adjust in the absence of their talisman.
Michael Clarke on Bumrah’s absence
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has raised concerns about Mumbai Indians’ prospects without Bumrah. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke highlighted the challenge of playing without a match-ready Bumrah.
“I’m just scared about Bumrah. He’s had no cricket; he’s not starting the tournament, so he can’t possibly be at his best in the first game. I know he’s a freak and he can take five wickets, but I think he will get better as the tournament goes. I just don’t know. If there’s no Bumrah, Mumbai will find it extremely difficult,” Clarke remarked.
With Bumrah likely to miss a few matches at the start, MI will have to find alternate options to strengthen their bowling attack. In MI’s first match, that is against CSK on March 23, Mumbai would be without both Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
MI coach sheds light on plans without Bumrah
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted that Bumrah’s absence is a massive setback but remains optimistic about adapting to the situation.
“Jasprit is with NCA and has just started the process there. We will await their feedback on him. Progress will be monitored on a day-to-day basis. Not having him is a challenge, and the world’s best bowler is always an advantage for us,” Jayawardene stated.
In response to Bumrah’s absence, MI is planning to experiment with different bowling combinations early in the season. Jayawardene emphasized the importance of trying out new strategies before Bumrah’s return. “He gives us a different element for trying things, so in the early season, we can experiment,” the former Sri Lankan captain said.
Bumrah was MI’s top bowler in IPL 2024, finishing with 20 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 16.80. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but MI will hope to stay competitive while awaiting their star pacer’s return.
