'Not Having Him Is A...': Mahela Jayawardene Speaks On The Challenges MI May Face Without Jasprit Bumrah In Early IPL 2025

Indian Premier League: With just days left before the start of the Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2025, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene accepted that not having star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah at the initial stage of the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament will be a challenge for the franchise. The former Sri Lankan cricketer also provided a major update on Bumrah's fitness as the Mumbai Indians get ready for their first clash of the IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 

In the previous season of the IPL, the Mumbai-based franchise displayed a sluggish performance, ending their campaign at the bottom of the standings with just eight points. In IPL 2024, Bumrah played 13 matches and managed to bag 20 wickets at an economy rate of 6.48. The star Indian pacer has played 133 IPL matches and picked up 165 wickets at an economy rate of 7.30.

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Bumrah suffered a back injury during the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025, and following that he failed to hit the cricket field. The 31-year-old fast-bowler was also not a part of India's squad in the Champions Trophy 2025 as he failed to recover from his back injury.

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the world: Mahela Jayawardene

While speaking at the pre-season press conference, Jayawardene said that Bumrah has started his progress at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The MI head coach added that the pacer is recovering well and is in good spirits. The former cricketer called Bumrah one of the best bowlers in the world.

“[Bumrah] has just started his progress. We have to wait and see what their [BCCI medical team] feedback is on him. At the moment, everything is going well. But, obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis. He is in good spirits. 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 said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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IPL 2025 To Kick Off On March 22

The 2025 edition of the IPL will begin on March 22, Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening fixture of the tournament at the iconic Eden Gardens.