IPL 2025: Michael Clarke expresses concern over Jasprit Bumrah's absence
What's the story
Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has expressed his fears regarding Jasprit Bumrah's absence from the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
The fast bowler is currently rehabbing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and MI are awaiting updates on his condition. Reports stated Bumrah will join MI camp in early April.
Bumrah is expected to miss a couple of games for MI at the start of the season and Clarke said he is scared.
Costly miss
I'm just scared about Bumrah, says Clarke
"I'm just scared about Bumrah. He's had no cricket; he's not starting the tournament so he can't possibly be at his best in the first game. I know he's a freak and he can take five wickets but I think he will get better as the tournament goes. I just don't know. If there's no Bumrah, Mumbai will find it extremely difficult," Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
Coach's perspective
Jayawardene acknowledges challenge of Bumrah's absence
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene also acknowledged the challenge posed by Bumrah's absence.
"Jasprit is with NCA and just started the process there. Will await their feedback on him," he said in a pre-season press conference.
The former Sri Lankan captain stressed that not having Bumrah is a big challenge for MI, considering he is one of the world's best bowlers.
Strategy shift
MI to experiment with combinations without Bumrah
Jayawardene revealed MI plans to experiment and shuffle combinations early in the tournament in Bumrah's absence.
He said, "He gives us a different element for trying things, so that in the early season we can experiment."
This change in strategy comes as Bumrah hasn't played since January and missed out on the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Information
Bumrah was MI's top performer in IPL 2024
Bumrah was MI's top performer with the ball in IPL 2024. He finished the season with a tally of 20 wickets from 13 matches at 16.80. Overall, he was the 3rd-highest wicket-taker last season. Meanwhile, MI finished last in IPL 2024 in the 10-team table.