Follow UsFast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the initial stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as he continues to recover from a lower back injury, according to a report in Times of India. According to the same report, the Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer could take the field for his franchise in April.
Bumrah, who has been out of action since the Sydney Test in Australia, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
"Bumrah's medical reports are okay. He has resumed bowling at the CoE. However, it is unlikely he'll be able to bowl at the start of the IPL in another fortnight. As per current status, the first week of April looks a more realistic date for him to get back to high-intensity cricket," a BCCI source told TOI.
MI are scheduled to play three matches in March - against Chennai Super Kings (March 23), Gujarat Titans (March 29) and Kolkata Knight Riders (March 31).
However, Bumrah could play the fixture against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 4 in Lucknow.
"It's standard operating procedure. The medical team will gradually build up his workload and intensity. Unless he is able to bowl full tilt without any discomfort for some days, the medical team is unlikely to clear him," the source said.
With the five-match Tests against England scheduled to be played after the IPL, Bumrah and for that matter Mohammed Shami's selection for the tour will come down to how their bodies hold up in the IPL.
"How Shami and Bumrah endure the long IPL will be important. Shami is under constant watch. If the selectors get both of them together for two-three Tests, it will be the ideal situation," the source said.
"The team management will also be cautious of pushing the duo to pay all Tests together. Nobody wants either of them breaking down in the middle of a Test, like it happened with Bumrah in Sydney. Too much depended on Bumrah alone in Australia."