Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the first few matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Mumbai Indians as he continues to recover from a lower back injury. This injury has sidelined the fast bowler since January 2025, leaving MI to navigate the early stages of the tournament without one of their key players.
Bumrah suffered the stress-related injury during the second day of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia, held on January 4, 2025, at Sydney. Following this incident, he was ruled out of the Champions Trophy, which India won earlier this month. His absence from the pitch marks the first recurrence of his back issues since he underwent surgery in March 2023 for similar concerns.
According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah is expected to rejoin the MI squad by early April, pending medical clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at their Centre of Excellence located in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, MI has three scheduled matches throughout March 2025 which Bumrah is likely to miss entirely. The first match will kick off on March 23, when MI faces off against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before continuing on to play against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 29, followed by their first home match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31.
While Bumrah was initially included in India’s provisional squad for both the Champions Trophy and the subsequent limited-overs series against England, persistent back discomfort prevented him from participating. After undergoing fresh scans early February, it became clear he would require more rest than expected.
Shane Bond, the former New Zealand fast bowler who has worked with Bumrah as Mumbai’s bowling coach, expressed grave concerns about the potential long-term repercussions of yet another injury to the same area of his back. “If Bumrah suffers another back injury in the spot where he had the surgery, it could be a career ender,” Bond noted, emphasizing the importance of managing Bumrah's workload carefully.
Bond elaborated on the inherent risks associated with the transition from the IPL to the Test championship, stating, “Look, I think Booms will be fine, but it’s just the [workload] management [matters]... He’s too valuable for the next World Cup and stuff. So you’d be looking at five Tests in England, I wouldn’t want to be playing him in any more than two in a row.”
The timing of Bumrah’s recovery is particularly pressing for MI as they transition through their IPL campaign. The tournament ends on May 25, 2025, which is closely followed by India's five-Test series against England scheduled for June 2025. With this structure, the MI team must evaluate their bowling strategies and resources carefully, as Bumrah’s distinct bowling style has historically made him susceptible to injuries.
Considering MI’s aspirations to clinch their sixth IPL title, Bumrah’s role is pivotal. Heightened awareness surrounding his physical health might influence MI’s handling of him throughout the season, particularly during the back-end of the tournament. Bumrah's ability to deliver under pressure has always made him a valuable player, and his absence from the starting lineup could impact MI’s performance drastically.
For Bumrah and his fans, this period becomes one of cautious optimism. While his return to the field remains uncertain, the rehabilitation approach suggests the medical team’s careful consideration of his health is for the best. His unique bowling style requires support and management to prevent future injuries from becoming chronic issues.
The stakes are high for Bumrah, MI, and Indian cricket as the IPL and upcoming series against England loom on the horizon. Balancing competition with health concerns remains the chief priority, and the coming weeks will be telling for all parties involved. The cricket community watches closely as Bumrah’s recovery continues to progress.