Jasprit Bumrah Returns to MI Squad Ahead of Home Clash Against RCB
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1. A Major Boost for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians (MI) have received a significant morale boost as premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has officially rejoined the squad ahead of their upcoming IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The fixture, scheduled to be played on Monday at Wankhede Stadium, could mark a turning point in MI’s campaign, which has been off to a shaky start this season.
Bumrah, who has been recovering from a stress-related issue in his lower back, was cleared by the BCCI medical team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His presence, even if not in the playing XI, adds experience and leadership to an MI bowling attack that has lacked firepower.
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2. Bumrah’s Recovery Journey Since January
Bumrah has been out of competitive cricket since January 4, when he picked up a fresh back discomfort during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s final Test in Sydney. Since then, he has undergone a carefully monitored rehab program at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
He had already missed the IPL 2023 season due to a back surgery and remained cautious with his recovery this time around. Notably, the current back issue is not a recurrence of the previous injury but a new discomfort, which required a strategic and measured comeback plan.
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3. Timeline of His Return
• January 2025: Begins rehab at NCA post injury in Sydney
• March 2025: Starts building bowling workload under medical supervision
• April 4, 2025: Reported that he won’t be available for MI vs RCB clash
• April 5, 2025: Travels to Mumbai and joins MI squad
• April 6, 2025: Begins discussions with MI support staff regarding potential return
While his return to the squad is official, the decision on his immediate selection remains uncertain. As of now, there is no confirmation whether he will play against RCB or not.
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4. Practice Matches Still Unconfirmed
As part of Bumrah’s return strategy, it was originally expected that he would feature in a few practice games to test his match fitness. However, it’s still unclear whether he completed those match simulations at the NCA or will do them under MI’s supervision.
The team management, led by Mahela Jayawardene, is expected to assess his readiness before pushing him into the high-intensity environment of the IPL.
5. India’s England Tour Playing on His Mind
With India scheduled to play a crucial five-Test series in England starting June 28, Bumrah is understandably treading cautiously. The series, part of the World Test Championship, is considered a big priority, and Bumrah wants to ensure he is 100% fit before returning to professional cricket.
Given India’s recent Champions Trophy triumph in his absence, selectors and the player himself are not rushing his return, especially considering the recurrence risk associated with fast bowlers and back injuries.
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6. MI’s Struggles Without Bumrah
Mumbai Indians have played four matches so far in IPL 2025, managing just one win and losing three. Their bowling has clearly lacked bite in Bumrah’s absence.
• Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar have shared the new-ball duties
• Youngsters like Satyanarayana Raju, Vignesh Puthur, and Ashwani Kumar have been handed debuts
• Captain Hardik Pandya has also chipped in with medium pace
However, none have been able to consistently provide the breakthroughs or contain runs at the death, something that Bumrah specializes in.
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7. Jasprit Bumrah’s IPL Legacy
Jasprit Bumrah is a Mumbai Indians icon. Since making his debut in 2013, he has remained loyal to the franchise and is currently their highest wicket-taker among active players.
• Matches: 133
• Wickets: 165
• Economy: 7.39
• Best Bowling: 4/14
His absence was deeply felt during IPL 2023, and with MI aiming to rebuild their squad in 2025, his return is crucial both from a performance and leadership perspective.
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8. Strategic Role in Team Environment
Even if Bumrah doesn’t play immediately, his experience will be vital in the dressing room. He can guide young bowlers like Raju and Puthur, while also aiding the leadership group.
Coach Jayawardene and captain Pandya are expected to utilize his insights for bowling plans, especially against a strong batting line-up like RCB’s, featuring Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell.
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9. Will He Play Against RCB?
As per the last update, Bumrah is unlikely to feature in the RCB clash, but there’s still a slight chance he could be named in the squad if he passes fitness drills in the next 48 hours.
Even if MI opts to rest him for one more match, he could return for the next fixture, giving him time to regain match rhythm gradually.
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10. Final Thoughts – A Cautious Yet Encouraging Step
While the fans and the MI management would be thrilled to have Bumrah back in the mix, the priority remains on ensuring his long-term fitness. Given his injury history and India’s upcoming Test commitments, it is wise to take a measured approach.
Still, having Bumrah around is a psychological edge for Mumbai Indians, and his return could well be the turning point in their IPL 2025 campaign.
