IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians get big lift with Jasprit Bumrah comeback

Mumbai Indians (MI) have received a major boost ahead of their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025, as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been declared fit to play. Bumrah, who has been sidelined since January due to injury, has cleared his final fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and joined the MI squad over the weekend.  

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the news on Sunday, stating, "He is available. He is training today, so he should be available tomorrow." Jayawardene added, "He arrived last night (Saturday, April 5). And I believe he had his sessions with NCA to finalise that. He has been handed over to our physios. So, yeah, it should be his bowling today. All good and he will play tomorrow."  

Bumrah was seen inspecting the pitch and bowling in the nets at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday evening, with MI captain Rohit Sharma, who is also recovering from a minor injury, acting as a target. The sight of Bumrah back in action has given a huge lift to the MI camp.  

Jayawardene also said, “Boom is coming back from a lengthy layoff, so we need to give him space and not expect too much too soon. But knowing Jasprit, he’s always ready for the challenge. His presence and experience will be vital, especially in guiding bowlers like Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and the younger guys.”  

Bumrah has been out of action since his last appearance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney earlier this year. After undergoing rehabilitation and working closely with the BCCI’s Sports Science team, he has now been cleared to feature in IPL 2025.  

His return comes at a crucial moment for Mumbai Indians, who have struggled with just one win from their first four matches and are looking to turn their season around. Bumrah’s return will strengthen their bowling attack, with the team hoping his experience can help guide the younger bowlers.  

In IPL 2024, Bumrah was the third-highest wicket-taker, with 20 wickets in 13 matches, and he had the best economy rate (6.48) among the top 20 bowlers. Notably, he took a five-wicket haul against RCB at the Wankhede last season, a performance MI will be hoping to replicate on Monday night.