Jasprit Bumrah is all set to don the Mumbai Indians jersey once again in IPL 2025 after an arduous journey of recovery from a back injury. The injury bug bit him during a Test series against Australia last January, sidelining him for the better part of a year. It's not just a player returning; it's a legendary Indian fast bowler coming back with renewed vigor.
Bumrah underwent surgery and dedicated himself to a vigorous rehabilitation program at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The medical team finally gave him the green light to step back into the cricketing world. Now, fans are eagerly waiting to see him weave his magic once again.
What's Next for Mumbai Indians?
Mumbai Indians, currently struggling with a 1-3 record, could use a seasoned pacer like Bumrah to bolster their lineup. His return couldn't have come at a better time. Although he'll be joining the camp ahead of their April 7 face-off with Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, the team will cautiously evaluate his fitness before putting him into action.
The franchise has planned some simulation games to test his readiness, and if all goes well, we might see him face Delhi Capitals on April 13. A poised comeback is essential, given the competitive nature of the IPL and India's upcoming test series against England.
The Impact of Bumrah's Return
Since his last match in the Sydney Test, Bumrah has been sorely missed. With 165 wickets in 133 IPL matches, his track record speaks for itself. Not only does he bring unparalleled skill in death overs with his lethal yorkers, but his tactical acumen also adds a layer of strategy to the Mumbai Indians’ playbook. The young recruits like Satyanarayana Raju and Ashwani Kumar have done their best, but Bumrah's return shifts the dynamics entirely.
Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach, highlighted Bumrah's role beyond just bowling. His mentorship is invaluable, especially to players like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. However, the coach emphasizes not rushing him back into high pressure situations too soon.
Bumrah’s return is not just a boost for the Mumbai Indians, but also for Indian cricket at large, as the team prepares for a tough series against England. Eyes are now on the April fixtures to see if Bumrah’s re-entry will steer Mumbai Indians towards a much-needed turnaround in form.