Jasprit Bumrah Returns from Injury: Available for MI vs. RCB Clash in IPL 2025
Mumbai Indians (MI) have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Bumrah’s availability following his successful recovery from injury and subsequent clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA). “He’s available, he’s training today, and should be available [for the RCB game],” Jayawardene stated. “He arrived last night, completed his final sessions with the NCA, and has been handed over to our physios. He’s bowling today, so all good.”
Bumrah’s return marks the end of a challenging period for both the player and the team. Having last played competitive cricket during the Sydney Test in January, where he suffered a stress reaction in his back, Bumrah missed India’s home series against England and the Champions Trophy. He has been diligently working on his rehabilitation at the NCA in recent weeks, gradually increasing his bowling workload to ensure full fitness. This meticulous approach aims to prepare him not only for the IPL but also for India’s upcoming five-Test series in England, starting June 28. His return is a timely injection of experience and firepower for MI, who have struggled with their bowling attack in his absence, losing three of their first four matches in IPL 2025 and relying on a mix of seasoned internationals and promising young Indian bowlers like Vignesh Puthur, Ashwani Kumar, and Satyanarayana Raju.
Jayawardene acknowledged the need to manage Bumrah’s return carefully. “Boom’s coming back from a pretty decent layoff, so we need to give him that space. Not expect too much. Knowing Jasprit, he will be up for it,” the coach commented. He also highlighted the invaluable experience Bumrah brings to the team, both on the field and in the dressing room. “We’re very happy to have him in the camp, the experience he brings, that extra voice out there in the middle—chatting with [Trent] Boult, chatting with Deepak [Chahar], or any other younger bowler, giving that advice is also very valuable for us.” Since his IPL debut in 2013, Bumrah has been a cornerstone of MI’s success, amassing 165 wickets in 133 matches. His absence was keenly felt during the 2023 IPL season, which he missed due to a back injury, marking his first absence from the tournament since undergoing back surgery in March 2023. The MI camp and fans alike will be hoping his return will bolster the team’s performance in the remainder of the tournament. The match against RCB presents a significant test for MI, and Bumrah’s presence will undoubtedly strengthen their bowling attack. While expectations will be high, the team management will be keen to manage his workload effectively, ensuring his long-term fitness and availability for both MI and the Indian national team.
