Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene is hopeful that his team’s best bowler will return soon.
“He has just started improving,” Jayawardene said in a press conference when asked about the injured Jasprit Bumrah. He acknowledged that not having the experienced pacer at the start of the IPL would be a big challenge for Mumbai Indians but remained optimistic about his return.
Bumrah has been dealing with a lower back injury since January, and there were already doubts about his availability at the beginning of the IPL. Jayawardene’s statement on Wednesday confirmed those concerns.
Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, Bumrah’s exact return date remains uncertain.
“Bumrah has just started his recovery. We have to wait and see what the BCCI medical team says,” Jayawardene said.
“At the moment, everything is going well, but it’s a day-by-day process. He’s in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge because he’s one of the best bowlers in the world and has been a fantastic professional for us for many years.”
The 2024 IPL kicks off on March 22. According to a recent ESPNcricinfo report, if Bumrah receives medical clearance from the BCCI, he could join the Mumbai Indians squad in early April. Mumbai has three matches scheduled in March.
Bumrah has been out of action since January, when he suffered a back injury during the final Test of India’s Australia tour. He has not played any matches since then, and India went on to win a record third Champions Trophy title without him.
Since making his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2013, Bumrah has remained loyal to the franchise, taking 165 wickets in 133 matches. The only season he missed was in 2023 due to back surgery.
Mumbai Indians will play their first two matches away from home this season. Their campaign begins on March 23 against Chennai Super Kings, followed by a match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 29. They will then return to Wankhede Stadium on April 2 to face defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
