IPL 2025: MI coach Mahela Jayawardene sheds light on Jasprit Bumrah's importance

Jasprit Bumrah will miss the first few matches of IPL 2025.

Mumbai Indians (MI) are considered the early favourites for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which begins on Saturday, March 22.

The five-time winners, however, will be without their premium speedster Jasprit Bumrah for the first few weeks of the tournament. The 31-year-old, who finished as the highest wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 with 32 wickets, sustained a back injury in the last test of the series in Sydney.

The injury meant that Bumrah was ruled out of India‘s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final squad after being named in the provisional squad.

Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene has shared his insights on how the franchise plans to handle Bumrah’s absence.

Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene on Jasprit Bumrah’s absence

Speaking at the pre-season press conference, Jayawardene confirmed that Bumrah is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and expressed hope that he will join the team soon.

He said, “Jasprit is currently in NCA. He has just started making progress so we have to wait and see what their feedback is on him. At the moment, everything’s going well, but, obviously, it’s on a day-to-day basis. He’s in good spirits and hopefully, he can join the team sooner.“

The legendary Sri Lankan batsman admitted that Bumrah’s absence would be a challenge for Mumbai but said it would also provide an opportunity for others to come forward.

He added, “Obviously, not having him is a challenge. He’s one of the best bowlers in the world, and he’s been a fantastic pro for us for many years, but we’ll have to find a way.“

“It’s an opportunity for someone else to step up and show what they are capable of. That’s how I see it. It gives us a different element of trying a few different things and seeing what works.“

MI will start their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, March 23 in Chennai.

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