IPL 2025: Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss initial matches
What's the story
Jasprit Bumrah's return to competitive cricket is likely to be delayed as he could miss the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, as per Times of India.
The star pacer is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a lower back injury at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and is unlikely to join his team, Mumbai Indians, until April.
Notably, the 2025 IPL will get underway on March 22.
Gradual recovery
Bumrah's return to high-intensity cricket
A BCCI source confirmed to TOI that Bumrah's medical reports are satisfactory and he has resumed bowling at the CoE.
However, it is unlikely he'll be able to bowl at the start of the IPL in another fortnight.
As per the current status, the first week of April looks like a more realistic date for him to get back to high-intensity cricket, the source added.
Team implications
Impact on Mumbai Indians's initial matches
With MI set to play four matches in the first two weeks of IPL 2025, Bumrah's absence could impact the team's bowling attack.
The pacer has not yet started bowling full tilt and is being handled carefully by the medical staff.
"It's standard operating procedure," said a BCCI source. "The medical team will gradually build up his workload and intensity."
Future plans
Focus on England Test series
The BCCI is keeping a close eye on Bumrah's recovery to have him fit for the five-Test series in England, which is scheduled to take place immediately after IPL 2025.
The selectors are wary of relying solely on Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, given their injury histories.
"How Shami and Bumrah endure the long IPL will be important," said a BCCI source.