Mumbai Indians head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mahela-jayawardene">Mahela Jayawardene</a> has confirmed that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will miss the initial stages of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> 2025 due to injury. Bumrah, who suffered back spasms during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has not played any cricket since.
Speaking at a press conference, Jayawardene provided an update on Bumrah&rsquo;s recovery, saying that they are awaiting feedback from the BCCI medical team. "Jasprit is currently at the NCA and has just started his progress. Everything is going well, but it's a day-to-day process. He is in good spirits, but not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and has been a fantastic pro for us for many years," he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Jayawardene acknowledged that Mumbai Indians will have to find an alternative in Bumrah&rsquo;s absence. "We&rsquo;ll have to wait or find someone else to step up. The early part of the season allows us to try a few things and see how they work," he added.
<h2>SKY to lead MI in opening match</h2>
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suryakumar-yadav">Suryakumar Yadav</a> will be leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) campaign against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings">Chennai Super Kings</a> (CSK) as announced on Wednesday (Mar 19). With MI set to take on CSK, regular skipper Hardik Pandya will serve a one-match suspension which from last season with Suryakumar set to deputise.
"Yeah, Surya obviously leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format (to lead). He is an exciting option as well," Hardik Pandya said on Wednesday.
Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Bumrah, who suffered back spasms during final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been undergoing rehabilitation at NCA and has not played any cricket since

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will miss the initial stages of Indian Premier League 2025 due to injury. Bumrah, who suffered back spasms during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has not played any cricket since. Speaking at a press conference, Jayawardene provided an update on Bumrah’s recovery, saying that they are awaiting feedback from the BCCI medical team. "Jasprit is currently at the NCA and has just started his progress. Everything is going well, but it's a day-to-day process. He is in good spirits, but not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and has been a fantastic pro for us for many years," he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Jayawardene acknowledged that Mumbai Indians will have to find an alternative in Bumrah’s absence. "We’ll have to wait or find someone else to step up. The early part of the season allows us to try a few things and see how they work," he added. SKY to lead MI in opening match Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav will be leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as announced on Wednesday (Mar 19). With MI set to take on CSK, regular skipper Hardik Pandya will serve a one-match suspension which from last season with Suryakumar set to deputise. "Yeah, Surya obviously leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format (to lead). He is an exciting option as well," Hardik Pandya said on Wednesday. Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025 | 'It is a challenge', admits MI coach Mahela Jayawardene on Jasprit Bumrah missing initial games

Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Thursday said that the medical team is working closely with ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah and a call on whether he can take the field for the series decider, against Australia at The Gabba, will be taken on Friday morning.&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team has been gripped by injuries even before the gruelling tour of Australia started. The injury list has since grown with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin being the latest names after the completion of Sydney Test. While Jadeja and Vihari are out, there are still chances that Bumrah and Ashwin may feature in the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. &nbsp;

"The medical team is working with Bumrah, we have to see tomorrow morning whether he is fit to play the fourth Test or not. If he can play, he will play, if he cannot, then he won't.&nbsp;

"The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test.&nbsp;

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There have been reports that Bumrah may play at The Gabba even if he is 50 per cent fit. Lauding the toughness of the players, who defied all the odds to draw the Sydney Test despite being plagued by injuries, Rathour said that the team has shown a lot of character while adding the Indian team has all the ability to do well against Australia in Brisbane.&nbsp;

"Basically, I think the toughness comes from the preparation, we believe in our players, every member of our team believes in their ability. One innings cannot let the doubts creep in, the team has shown a lot of character and the reason for that is the hard work they have been putting in for a long time," Rathour said. &nbsp;

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"As far as I am concerned, we have the ability, with or without injuries, the eleven that will play would be the best eleven that India could put on the ground, all of them deserve to be there, if they play to their potential, I cannot see any reason, why we cannot do well," he added.&nbsp;

The Indian team has lost the likes of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav as well and if Bumrah is unable to play then the pace attack will be led by two-Test old Mohammed Siraj. &nbsp;

Notably, Australia haven't lost a single Test at The Gabba since 1988 and would be looking to continue their incredible record at the venue.&nbsp;

With series firmly locked at 1-1, India and Australia will lock horns in the fourth and final Test of the series on January 15.&nbsp;

Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Thursday said that the medical team is working closely with ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah and a call on whether he can take the field for the series decider, against Australia at The Gabba, will be taken on Friday morning.

Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Thursday said that the medical team is working closely with ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah and a call on whether he can take the field for the series decider, against Australia at The Gabba, will be taken on Friday morning. The Indian cricket team has been gripped by injuries even before the gruelling tour of Australia started. The injury list has since grown with the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin being the latest names after the completion of Sydney Test. While Jadeja and Vihari are out, there are still chances that Bumrah and Ashwin may feature in the fourth and final Test in Brisbane. "The medical team is working with Bumrah, we have to see tomorrow morning whether he is fit to play the fourth Test or not. If he can play, he will play, if he cannot, then he won't. "The injuries are still being monitored. Our medical staff is looking into it, I would not be in a position to comment on this right now. We would like to give them as much time as possible. It will be tomorrow morning that you will know which eleven takes the field," Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final Test. ALSO READ: Smith 'feeds off' criticism warns Paine ahead of Gabba showdown There have been reports that Bumrah may play at The Gabba even if he is 50 per cent fit. Lauding the toughness of the players, who defied all the odds to draw the Sydney Test despite being plagued by injuries, Rathour said that the team has shown a lot of character while adding the Indian team has all the ability to do well against Australia in Brisbane. "Basically, I think the toughness comes from the preparation, we believe in our players, every member of our team believes in their ability. One innings cannot let the doubts creep in, the team has shown a lot of character and the reason for that is the hard work they have been putting in for a long time," Rathour said. ALSO READ: Brisbane record gives Australia edge over India: Josh Hazlewood "As far as I am concerned, we have the ability, with or without injuries, the eleven that will play would be the best eleven that India could put on the ground, all of them deserve to be there, if they play to their potential, I cannot see any reason, why we cannot do well," he added. The Indian team has lost the likes of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav as well and if Bumrah is unable to play then the pace attack will be led by two-Test old Mohammed Siraj. Notably, Australia haven't lost a single Test at The Gabba since 1988 and would be looking to continue their incredible record at the venue. With series firmly locked at 1-1, India and Australia will lock horns in the fourth and final Test of the series on January 15.

Call on Jasprit Bumrah's availability to be taken on Friday, says Vikram Rathour ahead of Brisbane Test

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested in the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane as he said it is important to save the ace Indian pacer from burning out.&nbsp;

Bumrah has suffered an abdominal strain and is a major doubt for the series decider against Australia in Brisbane. However, the Indian team management has still kept the doors open for Bumrah to feature in the Brisbane Test given he is fit enough to bowl.&nbsp;

"See again, he hasn’t played a Test match in India till now, Has he? He hasn’t. So, I’m sure the Indian team management has looked after Jasprit Bumrah reasonably well. They have actually used him in places like England, South Africa, and Australia, where he has got to be even more threatening," Gautam Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports.&nbsp;

Bumrah is yet to feature in a Test match on home soil and Gambhir reckons that the pacer will be more lethal in Indian pitches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bumrah-out-sundar-in-team-indias-likely-playing-xi-for-brisbane-test-vs-australia-356700" hreflang="en">Bumrah out, Sundar in? Team India's likely playing XI for Brisbane Test vs Australia</a>

"I’m not saying he is not going to be threatening in India. He is going to be even more threatening in India, where wickets can get low and slow and he can reverse the ball really well. His quality. It’s just his quality and the lengths he bowls, and the amount of pressure he puts the batsman under.&nbsp;

"Whether he is bowling with an old ball or a new ball. From the time he started, the ball which goes away from the right hand and he is able to bring the ball back in, has made it even more dangerous,” said Gambhir. &nbsp;

With a jam-packed calendar awaiting the Indian team in the year 2021, Gambhir said that the management needs to save Bumrah for other series as well.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-cricket-fan-waits-10-months-for-sri-lanka-test-and-gets-kicked-out-356640" hreflang="en">England cricket fan waits 10 months for Sri Lanka Test - and gets kicked out</a>

“But then again, you got to look after him as well, because he is going to be the leader of the attack for a very long time, so him being fit is very important, so when India plays England for the 4th Test match. &nbsp;

"I know, yes, Mohd Shami is unfit, Ishant Sharma is unfit, Umesh Yadav is unfit but you can’t afford to play Jasprit Bumrah all the 4 Test matches, it will be very unfair on him,” he said.&nbsp;

Notably, Bumrah has bowled the most number overs – 117.4 - in the ongoing Test series against Australia from both the teams.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested in the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane as he said it is important to save the ace Indian pacer from burning out.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested in the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane as he said it is important to save the ace Indian pacer from burning out. Bumrah has suffered an abdominal strain and is a major doubt for the series decider against Australia in Brisbane. However, the Indian team management has still kept the doors open for Bumrah to feature in the Brisbane Test given he is fit enough to bowl. "See again, he hasn’t played a Test match in India till now, Has he? He hasn’t. So, I’m sure the Indian team management has looked after Jasprit Bumrah reasonably well. They have actually used him in places like England, South Africa, and Australia, where he has got to be even more threatening," Gautam Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports. Bumrah is yet to feature in a Test match on home soil and Gambhir reckons that the pacer will be more lethal in Indian pitches. ALSO READ: Bumrah out, Sundar in? Team India's likely playing XI for Brisbane Test vs Australia "I’m not saying he is not going to be threatening in India. He is going to be even more threatening in India, where wickets can get low and slow and he can reverse the ball really well. His quality. It’s just his quality and the lengths he bowls, and the amount of pressure he puts the batsman under. "Whether he is bowling with an old ball or a new ball. From the time he started, the ball which goes away from the right hand and he is able to bring the ball back in, has made it even more dangerous,” said Gambhir. With a jam-packed calendar awaiting the Indian team in the year 2021, Gambhir said that the management needs to save Bumrah for other series as well. ALSO READ: England cricket fan waits 10 months for Sri Lanka Test - and gets kicked out “But then again, you got to look after him as well, because he is going to be the leader of the attack for a very long time, so him being fit is very important, so when India plays England for the 4th Test match. "I know, yes, Mohd Shami is unfit, Ishant Sharma is unfit, Umesh Yadav is unfit but you can’t afford to play Jasprit Bumrah all the 4 Test matches, it will be very unfair on him,” he said. Notably, Bumrah has bowled the most number overs – 117.4 - in the ongoing Test series against Australia from both the teams.

Should Jasprit Bumrah play Brisbane Test? Gautam Gambhir gives his take