Jasprit Bumrah's return is expected to be delayed, as a report from ESPNCricinfo reveals that the Mumbai Indians (MI) fast bowler will be sidelined for at least the next two matches in the ongoing 2025 Indian Premier League.

Although Bumrah's absence poses a challenge for MI, there is hope regarding his recovery. The report states that the fast bowler has been increasing his bowling workload at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. After experiencing stress-related issues in his lower back since January, he is reportedly close to completing the final phase of fitness assessments.

Bumrah will only be permitted to rejoin the MI team and participate in the tournament once he receives clearance from the BCCI medical staff.

He has been prudent about his return, emphasizing the importance of achieving full fitness rather than rushing back. With India's five-match Test series in England set to commence on June 20, he is adopting a careful strategy to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming challenges.

MI's mixed start

Mumbai Indians have experienced a varied beginning to IPL 2025. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the team has brought in emerging bowlers such as Satyanarayana Raju, Vignesh Puthur, and Ashwani Kumar, while relying on seasoned players Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to lead the bowling attack. Hardik Pandya, who is at the helm of the franchise, has also contributed as an additional seam-bowling option.

The most recent update regarding Bumrah's fitness was provided on March 19, when MI's head coach Mahela Jayawardene acknowledged the difficulties posed by his absence at the season's outset. At that time, it was anticipated that the fast bowler would rejoin the team in April, but his return is now expected to be postponed.

Bumrah has been a loyal player for the franchise since his IPL debut with MI in 2013, accumulating 165 wickets across 133 matches. His only prior absence from the tournament occurred in 2023 due to a back injury.

The latest injury occurred during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, causing him to miss the Champions Trophy, which India won. This is the first instance of him facing a back issue since his surgery in 2023.

Ajit Agarkar, India's chief selector, had previously disclosed that Bumrah was recommended to take a minimum of five weeks off following the SCG Test. Although he was included in India's provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, subsequent scans in February indicated ongoing discomfort, leading to his exclusion from the tournament.

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