IPL 2025: MI Coach Mahela Jayawardene Calls Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence a Big Challenge

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Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene has admitted that Jasprit Bumrah’s absence at the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will be a significant challenge for the team.

The fast bowler, who is currently recovering from a lower back injury, is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is expected to miss the initial matches of the tournament.

Jayawardene on Bumrah's Absence

Speaking at MI’s pre-season press conference, Jayawardene did not specify a timeline for Bumrah’s return but acknowledged the impact of his absence.

"Jasprit Bumrah is at the NCA. We have to wait and see their feedback on him. At the moment, it is going well; the progress is on a day-to-day basis," he said. "He is in good spirits, and not having him is a challenge. He is the best bowler in the world."

Injury and Recovery

Bumrah has been out of action since early January when he sustained the injury during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. The 30-year-old pacer bowled in the first innings but was unable to take the field in the second innings as Australia chased down a modest target to seal a 3-1 series victory.

His absence leaves Mumbai Indians with a considerable void in their bowling attack. The responsibility of leading the pace attack will likely fall on Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. While both are experienced bowlers, the variety and control that Bumrah offers, particularly in the death overs, will be difficult to replicate.

Pandya Confident in Team Support

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s return, MI skipper Hardik Pandya expressed confidence that his presence, even off the field, would be beneficial for the team.

"I am lucky that I have three captains playing with me—Rohit [Sharma], Surya [Suryakumar Yadav], and Bumrah. They always place an arm around my shoulder and are there when I need any help," Pandya stated.

Bumrah is expected to join the MI squad in the first week of April, where he will continue his rehabilitation under the team’s medical staff. While his on-field return remains uncertain, MI will be hoping for a swift recovery as they aim for a strong start to the tournament.

Bumrah’s Injury History

Bumrah’s current injury setback is not his first struggle with fitness issues. The fast bowler was previously sidelined in 2023 with a similar lower back injury, which required surgery and forced him to miss a significant portion of the season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had advised him to undergo five weeks of complete “off-loading” to manage his workload better and avoid aggravating the injury.

"His recuperation is going well. But at this stage, it is better to give him some more time to return to peak fitness, considering India’s Test series against England in June," a BCCI source told PTI.

With IPL 2025 set to conclude on May 25, Mumbai Indians will be hoping that Bumrah can return in time to make an impact in the latter half of the tournament. Until then, the five-time champions will have to make do without their ace pacer as they begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at Chepauk.