As per Jayawardene, Jasprit Bumrah remains at NCA, making slow progress after his stress-induced back injury.
Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) undergoing rehabilitation. His recovery is still in the early stages, making his availability for the initial phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 highly uncertain.
Jayawardene acknowledged the difficulties of starting the season without Bumrah but remained optimistic about his return. “Jasprit is at the moment with NCA. He has just started his progress. We have to wait and see what their feedback is on him. At the moment, everything is going well. But obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis,” he said during a media interaction.
He further added, “He is in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and he has been a fantastic pro for us for many years.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s Return Date Uncertain
Bumrah has been sidelined for the last two months after suffering a stress-related back injury on January 4 during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. Despite being included in India’s provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Bumrah had to be ruled out due to persistent discomfort.
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier stated that the BCCI medical team advised Bumrah to take at least five weeks of rest to aid his recovery.
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The absence of Bumrah adds to Mumbai Indians’ concerns as they begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, March 23, in Chennai. Their second match is scheduled against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29.
With Bumrah’s return date still uncertain, MI will need to rely on their other pace options to step up in these crucial opening fixtures.
