Mumbai Indians (MI) could face a major setback at the start of their 2025 IPL campaign with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss the first two weeks of the season. According to a report by the Times of India, the 31-year-old fast bowler is expected to join the MI squad only in April.
Bumrah is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for a back injury he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia two months ago. A BCCI source told TOI that his medical reports are satisfactory and he has resumed bowling. However, he is unlikely to be match-fit in time for the start of the IPL season.
"Bumrah's medical reports are okay. He has resumed bowling at the CoE. However, it is unlikely he'll be able to bowl at the start of the IPL in another fortnight. As per current status, the first week of April looks a more realistic date for him to get back to high-intensity cricket," the source said.
"It's standard operating procedure. The medical team will gradually build up his workload and intensity. Unless he is able to bowl full tilt without any discomfort for some days, the medical team is unlikely to clear him," the source added.
Bumrah missed the white-ball series against England at home and is not part of India's squad for the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy.
Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 23. By the time Bumrah is expected to return, MI would have already played five matches.
