Jasprit Bumrah returns to NCA; IPL 2025 participation uncertain
What's the story
Jasprit Bumrah's IPL 2025 participation remains uncertain as he returns to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for further assessment.
The Mumbai Indians's fast bowler has been undergoing rehabilitation after he felt discomfort during a previous bowling session.
This was his second visit to the NCA in the past few weeks, Cricbuzz reported.
Bumrah is recovering from a back injury he picked up in the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy, which also saw him miss the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Rehabilitation process
NCA recommends tailored exercise routine for Bumrah
During his first visit to the NCA, Bumrah had pain while bowling.
Hence, NCA officials have suggested a personalized exercise routine before re-evaluating him.
The outcome of his latest visit to the newly named Centre of Excellence will determine whether he receives full or partial clearance for the 2025 IPL season.
Match fitness
Return unlikely for MI's March matches
Despite the positive signs about his progress, it is unlikely that Bumrah will return in time for the Mumbai Indians's opening matches in March.
MI will play three games next month, and even if he gets the green light from NCA, he might need at least another week to be match-fit.
Meanwhile, MI's head coach Mahela Jayawardene had expressed cautious optimism about Bumrah's recovery.
Team adjustment
Bumrah's absence presents challenge for MI
Jayawardene admitted the difficulty of missing Bumrah at the start of IPL 2025.
"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," Jayawardene stated.
Bumrah has been with MI since the 2013 edition, picking 165 wickets in 133 matches over the years.
His absence could require MI to tweak their bowling strategy heavily.
Injury impact
Bumrah-less MI's upcoming fixtures
Notably, Bumrah has been sidelined since January due to a stress-related back injury.
He sustained the injury during the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on January 4.
This marks his first back injury since undergoing surgery in March 2023.
MI will begin their IPL 2025 campaign with two away matches—against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 and Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 29.