In a major development for the Mumbai Indians, India's pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has been cleared to play in their upcoming IPL 2025 fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7. Bumrah had been sidelined due to a stress-related lower back injury he picked up during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Mumbai Indians' head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, has confirmed that Bumrah has successfully passed all mandatory fitness tests and has resumed training with the team. This news could not have come at a better time for MI as they have faced a rocky start in this season's IPL, notching just one win in their opening four games. Sitting with a 1-3 record, the team looks to Bumrah to fortify their bowling lineup.
Bumrah's return is expected to enhance the performance of a bowling attack that already includes stars like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. The team had been heavily reliant on the less experienced bowlers, such as Satyanarayana Raju and Vignesh Puthur, which has contributed to their struggles in the initial matches. Now, with Bumrah back in the mix, the bowling unit appears much more intimidating for their opposition.
Interestingly, the return of this maestro aligns with his preparations for India's demanding five-Test series against England, scheduled to begin on June 28. Fans and cricket commentators alike are expressing concern over how MI will manage Bumrah's workload to ensure he stays fit for national duties. His cautious return indicates that both the player and the team are considering long-term priorities, especially considering the heavy toll fast bowling can have on a player's physique.
Meanwhile, updates regarding Mumbai Indians' captain Rohit Sharma are less definitive. The skipper is recovering from a leg injury, with hopes to participate in the RCB match, but his inclusion remains under discussion as the team's medical staff continues to assess his condition.
On the opposing side, RCB's Tim David has commented on Bumrah's anticipated impact, labeling him the 'best bowler in the world' and expressing eagerness to compete against him. It's a testament to the bowler's reputation and the strategic advantage his presence offers. One way or another, Bumrah’s return promises to bring an exciting twist to the IPL 2025 dynamics and boost MI's playoff chances.