Jasprit Bumrah is back in the spotlight as he returns to the Mumbai Indians squad for the upcoming match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7 in the IPL 2025. This exciting comeback marks the end of a three-month pause in his cricket journey due to a back injury he sustained during the intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series in January. After successfully completing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bumrah joined the Mumbai Indians camp on April 6, ready to make his presence felt on the field once again.
Bumrah's Anticipated Comeback
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene expressed his satisfaction with Bumrah's progress, confirming that the star bowler had been effective in the nets and declaring him 'available for selection' against RCB. However, Jayawardene also advised caution, emphasizing the need to manage expectations carefully. Bumrah's prolonged hiatus from competitive cricket might require a period of adjustment, and the team will be mindful of easing him back into the full intensity of the game.
Bumrah's inclusion is a major boost to Mumbai Indians' pace attack, which now boasts formidable combinations alongside Trent Boult and Reece Topley. Jayawardene underscored Bumrah's importance not just on the field but off it too. Bumrah has been actively mentoring younger bowlers such as Deepak Chahar and has interacted with international players, sharing his rich expertise.
Rohit Sharma's Potential Return
Apart from Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians have another potential boost on the cards. Rohit Sharma, who injured his knee in the previous match, has started batting in the nets. The coaching team is hopeful about his recovery, and if his condition continues to improve, fans might see Rohit leading the team again soon. Jayawardene defended Rohit's recent performances, recalling his pivotal role in leading the team to victory in last year's Champions Trophy.
Despite a rocky start to the season, with the Mumbai Indians languishing in eighth place in the points table with just two points, the team is optimistic. With Bumrah back, especially renowned for his lethal yorkers—a skill he vividly showcased during a practice session that went viral—the team hopes to revamp its bowling strategy, particularly during the challenging Powerplay phases. Bumrah's newfound readiness to lead the pace attack might just be the spark MI needs to reignite their campaign and climb back up the table.