Mumbai Indians have suffered an early setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as their star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the opening two weeks of the season due to an ongoing back injury.
Bumrah sustained the injury during India’s tour of Australia earlier this year, sidelining him from cricket ever since. He is also missing from India’s current Champions Trophy squad, although the team has reached the final without him.
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The 31-year-old pacer is currently recovering at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has resumed bowling under careful supervision. However, Bumrah is not yet ready to bowl at full intensity, making it unlikely that he’ll return in time for Mumbai Indians’ initial IPL fixtures.
A BCCI official confirmed Bumrah’s status, stating that although his medical reports are encouraging and he has started bowling again, the first week of April is a more realistic target for his return. The medical team will gradually increase his workload and intensity, clearing him to play only when he can consistently bowl without discomfort.
Mumbai Indians open their IPL campaign against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23, where they will already miss captain Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match suspension from last season. In Bumrah’s absence, the team’s bowling attack will be spearheaded by new arrivals Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult.
Following the opener in Chennai, Mumbai will travel to Ahmedabad to face Gujarat Titans. Their final March fixture is at Wankhede Stadium against reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31. At the start of April, Mumbai Indians will play Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow and host Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home.
Given this schedule, Bumrah’s delayed return could see him missing at least three to four crucial matches.
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