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India’s top fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been out since January 2025 because of a lower back injury he suffered against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was unable to compete in the Champions Trophy earlier this year due to this injury. There have been positive indications about his recuperation lately. Bumrah has resumed bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, indicating progress in his rehabilitation. A video circulating online shows him practicing in the nets, which has raised hopes for his return to competitive cricket.
Even though Bumrah is following his recovery program meticulously and everything appears to be going well, the NCA has not given a clear timeframe for his comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL), according to Mahela Jayawardene, head coach of the Mumbai Indians. The psychological difficulties of recovering from such injuries have been highlighted by former Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond, who has underlined the need to not hurry Bumrah’s return. He suggests exercising caution to guarantee long-term fitness.
Over the past ten years, India’s top fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has played a significant role in international cricket. However, recurrent ailments, particularly stress fractures in his lower back, have plagued his career. According to sources, Bumrah is nearing the end of his recovery as of April 2025, and he may soon return to playing competitive cricket. This article explores the specifics of his injuries, his recuperation, professional opinions, and the impact his absence has had on the Indian squad and the Mumbai Indians during the IPL.
1.Bumrah’s Injury Timeline
Bumrah sustained a lower back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in January 2025. Initially, it was believed to be a minor issue, but further medical examinations revealed a stress-related condition that required extended rest and rehabilitation.
This is not the first time Bumrah has struggled with a back injury. He missed the T20 World Cup in 2022 due to a similar stress fracture and underwent extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Since then, his workload has been carefully managed, yet the injury resurfaced at a critical juncture, ruling him out of major tournaments such as the Champions Trophy 2025.
2. Current Status and Recovery Process
As of now, Bumrah has resumed bowling at the NCA in Bengaluru. A recent video shared by sources close to the team management shows him practicing in the nets, an encouraging sign for fans and selectors alike. Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that while Bumrah is on the right path, there is no clear timeline for his return.
The medical team at NCA has put Bumrah through a structured recovery plan, which includes:
- Light gym workouts to regain muscle strength
- Pool therapy to reduce stress on the back
- Gradual return to full-paced bowling
- Regular scans to monitor his progress
If everything goes according to plan, he might be able to join the Mumbai Indians squad in the second half of IPL 2025.
3. Expert Opinions on His Injury and Comeback
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, who has worked closely with Bumrah during his time as Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach, expressed concern over the pacer’s recurring back issues. Bond emphasized that India needs to be extremely careful about managing Bumrah’s workload, warning that repeated injuries could shorten his career.
Dr. Rajiv Luthra, a sports medicine expert, has noted that stress fractures in fast bowlers are becoming more common due to the modern cricket schedule. “Bumrah’s unique action generates significant stress on his back. His rehabilitation is crucial, but what’s more important is ensuring he doesn’t rush his comeback,” he stated.
4.Mumbai Indians and IPL 2025
Bumrah’s absence is a significant blow for Mumbai Indians, who rely on him as their strike bowler. While the team has quality replacements in Jofra Archer and Jason Behrendorff, neither has been as effective as Bumrah in handling pressure situations.
Mahela Jayawardene, speaking about the situation, said, “We are monitoring Bumrah’s recovery closely. We want him to be fully fit before making a comeback. Rushing him would be counterproductive.”Mumbai Indians have had to rethink their bowling strategy in his absence, placing greater reliance on spinners and all-rounders. Despite these adjustments, their campaign has been shaky, and fans eagerly await Bumrah’s return to bolster the attack.
5. Will Bumrah Play in IPL 2025?
According to reports, Bumrah hopes to make a comeback in the second half of the 2025 Indian Premier League, assuming the NCA medical staff gives him the all-clear. His return will greatly bolster the Mumbai Indians’ spirits as they compete for a postseason berth.Sunil Gavaskar and other former cricket players, however, have advised against hurrying him into the IPL and instead advise him to concentrate on becoming fit for international play. In a recent interview, Gavaskar stated, “The T20 World Cup should be the bigger goal, but the IPL is important.”
FAQs on Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury
Q1: What is Jasprit Bumrah’s current injury?
A: Bumrah is recovering from a stress-related lower back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025.
Q2: When is Bumrah expected to return to cricket?
A: He is targeting a return in the second half of IPL 2025, depending on medical clearance from the NCA.
Q3: Has Bumrah suffered from back injuries before?
A: Yes, he has had recurring back injuries, including a stress fracture in 2022 that ruled him out of the T20 World Cup.
Q4: Will Bumrah play in the T20 World Cup 2025?
A: If his recovery progresses well, he is expected to be part of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup.
Q5: How has Bumrah’s absence affected Indian cricket?
: India has struggled with death bowling and wicket-taking in crucial matches due to his absence.