Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah has been out of action for nearly 70 days, with growing concerns about his fitness ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The ace Mumbai Indians pacer, who last played during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in January, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Reports suggest that Bumrah is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2025, adding to Mumbai Indians’ worries.
Shane Bond Raises Serious Concerns
Former New Zealand pacer and Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling coach Shane Bond has issued a stark warning about Bumrah’s recurring back injuries, calling it a major red flag. Speaking about his former pupil at Mumbai Indians, Bond emphasized that another injury in the same spot “could be career-ending.”
Bond, who worked closely with Bumrah for several years in the IPL, pointed out that his transition from T20 cricket to the physically demanding Test format could pose a serious workload risk. India is set to play a five-Test series against England from June 28, just weeks after IPL 2025 concludes.
“Booms (Bumrah) will be fine, but workload management is key. The biggest risk comes when transitioning from IPL’s T20 format to Test cricket,” Bond said. “Playing three T20 games in a week with travel involved is not the same as preparing for Test cricket. The jump in workload is significant.”
Bumrah’s Current Injury & IPL 2025 Impact
Bumrah was initially ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury sustained during the BGT series against Australia. Initially diagnosed as back spasms, further examination revealed it was a stress-related issue, leading to a prolonged layoff.
According to reports, Bumrah has not yet bowled at full intensity, and the medical team is gradually increasing his workload to ensure he does not suffer a relapse. Sources close to the BCCI’s medical team have stated that while his medical reports are positive, they are reluctant to rush his return.
“Unless he is able to bowl full tilt for a sustained period without discomfort, the medical team won’t clear him,” a BCCI source told the Times of India.
If Bumrah misses the opening matches of IPL 2025, it will be a major setback for Mumbai Indians, who already lack pace-bowling depth after Lizaad Williams was ruled out with a knee injury.
Bond’s Recommendation: No Consecutive Test Matches for Bumrah
Bond further suggested that India should not push Bumrah into playing back-to-back Tests in England, highlighting how his 151.2 overs across five Tests against Australia earlier this year took a massive toll on his body.
“They should not push him into playing all five Tests in England. Maybe limit him to three or four games at max. If he suffers another back injury in the same spot, that could be a career-ender. You cannot have surgery on that spot again.”
With India’s Test series in England looming large, selectors and the team management must carefully plan Bumrah’s workload. The BCCI is prioritizing his long-term fitness, and his performance in IPL 2025 could be a crucial indicator of his readiness.
Mumbai Indians’ Possible Adjustments
With Bumrah’s availability uncertain, Mumbai Indians may have to reshuffle their playing XI. Hardik Pandya, who rejoined MI this season, is also suspended for the first match due to a slow over-rate penalty. If Bumrah remains unavailable for the first two weeks, MI might have to rely on an alternate pace attack.
Possible MI XI Without Bumrah & Pandya
- Rohit Sharma
- Will Jacks
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Naman Dhir
- Tim David
- Corbin Bosch (All-rounder, replacement for Lizaad Williams)
- Mitchell Santner
- Piyush Chawla
- Trent Boult
- Gerald Coetzee
As the IPL 2025 opener on March 22 draws closer, Mumbai Indians’ team composition and strategy will depend on Bumrah’s final fitness status. For now, the BCCI, Mumbai Indians, and fans alike will be hoping their spearhead recovers in time for the high-stakes season ahead.
