Mumbai Indians will have to begin their IPL 2025 journey without their star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who is still recovering from a lower back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year.
Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Bumrah is expected to rejoin the squad by early April, pending medical clearance. With MI scheduled to play three matches in March, his absence could significantly impact their early campaign.
The injury, a stress-related back issue, occurred on the second day of the final Test in Sydney on January 4. Initially, Bumrah was included in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy but was later withdrawn after fresh scans in February revealed ongoing discomfort. India went on to win the tournament without him.
Despite efforts to manage his workload, this setback raises fresh concerns about his long-term fitness. It is the first major recurrence of his back troubles since he underwent surgery in March 2023.
Mumbai Indians’ first two matches—against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 and Gujarat Titans on March 29—are both away fixtures. Their first home game is against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31, followed by matches against Lucknow Super Giants on April 4 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 7. With no official timeline for his return, MI might have to cope without their pace spearhead for a crucial part of the season.
Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond, who previously worked as MI’s bowling coach, recently voiced concerns about the potential long-term impact of another back injury in the same area where Bumrah had surgery. Bond, who struggled with back injuries during his own career, warned that repeated setbacks could put the Indian pacer’s future at risk.
Another major concern is the tight schedule following the IPL. India will head to England for a five-Test series in June, just weeks after the league’s conclusion on May 25. Managing Bumrah’s fitness remains a priority for both MI and the Indian team management, as his availability could be crucial for India’s red-ball ambitions in England.