Follow UsJasprit Bumrah made his much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) comeback after his bout with injury in the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While Mumbai Indians (MI) lost a close match, Bumrah was on target, giving away just 29 runs in his four overs.
Deepak Chahar, who shared the new ball with him, is pleased with Bumrah's comeback. “Bumrah had a serious back injury. We’ve talked about it. He understands what I’ve gone through and vice versa,” Chahar said ahead of MI's clash against Delhi Capitals (DC).
“At the end of the day, it’s a team game, but you also have to take care of your own body. You support each other, but only you can get yourself fit and perform. He’s mentally very strong. Even in his comeback match, his rhythm was on point. He showed class. His ability to bowl yorkers and bouncers with such control after a break is incredible.”
The 32-year-old has also had his share of injuries in the past. However, he still feels he will get another chance to add to his international appearances.
"I have had injuries, in the last 3 years, I have had a lot of injuries, but, I am not the only one, there are a lot of other players who are injured," Chahar said.
“My mindset is a little different. If you think that I am injured and I am not able to play, someone else is playing, will I be able to come back? If you doubt yourself, then you have a problem. I don’t doubt myself. My skill, from where I have played well, in the Indian team, I am always in a better position, from where I play regularly, I have played well, I will get a chance again."
Chahar believes bowlers need to adapt and sharpen their skillsets now that batters have started scoring more freely compared to the initial years in the IPL.
"Earlier, wickets used to offer more swing. From 2009–2011, conditions helped bowlers more. Now, the ball doesn’t swing as much. Plus, teams are deeper — they bat till No. 7 or 8, unlike before. So the mindset is more attacking," Chahar explained.
"Teams expect to score 70 in the powerplay now. Like Punjab — they were 80 for 5 and still ended with over 200. That’s the impact of the ‘Impact Player’ rule. It’s changed how teams approach matches. Similarly, bowlers now have to step up even more to keep up."
Chahar has now played for two of the most successful IPL franchises - MI and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). When asked about the differences in playing for both sides, Chahar said, “In one team, you might have more meetings, more planning. In the other, it’s more instinctive. But at the core, both believe in backing players and focusing on the process. That’s why they’ve both done well historically.
"Mumbai has always built strong teams through brilliant scouting. They spot domestic talent early — like Bumrah, Hardik [Pandya], and Krunal [Pandya] — picking them at base price before anyone knows them. Their strength lies in identifying the right players and backing them. Even if a player doesn’t have a big background, playing with Mumbai helps them grow."
MI are currently in eighth place on the IPL 2025 table, with just one win in five matches.