Mumbai Indians could be in for a tough start in IPL 2025, as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the opening matches of the tournament. Bumrah, who has been out of action since the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Australia due to a back injury, has already been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy.
According to a report by Times of India, he is unlikely to achieve full match fitness before the IPL and may be forced to sit out the first two weeks of the competition.
A source revealed that Bumrah has not yet returned to bowling at full intensity and will gradually increase his workload under medical supervision. Mumbai Indians have four matches in the first two weeks, and his absence could be a major challenge for the franchise, which has struggled in recent seasons.
Also Read: How to Make Money in IPL 2025?
Meanwhile, the BCCI is being cautious about his return, prioritizing his long-term fitness for the crucial five-match Test series against England after the IPL.
A BCCI official, providing an update on Bumrah’s recovery, mentioned that although his medical reports are encouraging, he is not expected to bowl at full capacity at the start of the tournament.
“He has resumed bowling at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, but it will take time for him to regain match intensity. As of now, early April appears to be a more realistic target for his comeback,” the official told the newspaper.
The source further added that Bumrah is yet to reach peak bowling intensity and will only be cleared once he can sustain high-speed bowling without discomfort. “It’s a standard recovery process. The medical team is closely monitoring his progress and will allow him to return only when he is fully fit,” they stated.
Also Read: Top 10 Players with Most Runs in IPL History
Discussing workload management, the official also highlighted that both Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will be under careful supervision during the IPL. “How they manage the workload of the tournament will be crucial. Shami is already being monitored closely. If the selectors can have both available for at least two or three Test matches, it would be ideal. However, the team management is wary of playing them together in every match to avoid injury setbacks, like Bumrah’s breakdown in Sydney,” the source explained.
Adding to Mumbai Indians’ challenges, their newly appointed captain Hardik Pandya is also set to miss the opening match against Chennai Super Kings due to a one-match suspension. His ban comes as a result of Mumbai’s slow over-rate offence in their final game of the previous season, with the sanction carried forward to IPL 2025.
With Bumrah’s uncertain return and Hardik’s absence in the opener, Mumbai Indians will need to find ways to fill the void as they begin their campaign in the new season.
Also Read:
1) List of ICC Trophies won by India (2025)