Jasprit Bumrah is back in action for Mumbai Indians. What are the expectations from him for MI and Team India following his return from injury?
After a frustrating injury layoff that saw him miss the Champions Trophy and the initial phase of IPL 2025, Jasprit Bumrah is officially back. Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the ace pacer is available for selection in the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Monday, April 7.
For Mumbai, who have lost three of their first four matches this season, Bumrah’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. Their bowling unit, packed with relatively inexperienced India bowlers like Vignesh Puthur, Ashwani Kumar, and Satyanarayana Raju, has lacked bite and control in crunch moments. Bumrah, MI’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 20 scalps and a remarkable economy of 6.48, adds both pedigree and calmness under pressure.
Read More: IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma’s batting form a headache for MI?
What Bumrah brings to the table?
Beyond his numbers, Bumrah brings something invaluable — experience, leadership, and aura. Nicknamed “Mufasa” by MI’s batting coach, former player Kieron Pollard even lifted him Simba-style in the team huddle. Bumrah’s presence alone injects a sense of belief in the MI dressing room.
In the nets on Sunday, he hit full tilt — bowling with precision and sharpness to the likes of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. His delivery that beat Rohit’s outside edge and carried to a virtual slip cordon was a reminder of his class.
That’s the beauty of Bumrah. Even after a layoff, he has an uncanny ability to slot right back in and make an impact — a reason why he was thePlayer of the Tournament in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win, where he claimed 15 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of just 4.17.
Goodnight Paltan! 😊#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/UYghtBvYMN
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 6, 2025
IPL 2025: Managing workload, delivering impact
Bumrah’s comeback will be monitored carefully by both MI and the BCCI. Having already suffered a stress reaction in the back earlier this year — his first major injury since the 2023 back surgery — the 30-year-old has been gradually increasing his bowling load at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Mumbai will want him to peak in the second half of the tournament, where crunch games and playoffs await.
For now, the target will be to ease him in, perhaps with spells focused more on effectiveness than endurance. MI fans will remember his five-wicket haul against RCB in 2024, and with that fixture coming up again, the timing seems perfect for a grand re-entry.
Read More: Jasprit Bumrah’s reliability quotient strengthened across formats in 2024
Eyes on England: Bigger tests ahead
While IPL 2025 is a stage for Bumrah to fine-tune his rhythm and regain match fitness, the real challenge looms post the league: India’s five-Test tour of England starting June 28. With challenging conditions, Duke balls, and an in-form English batting unit at home, India will need Bumrah firing on all cylinders.
His record in England is impressive — 45 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 23.82 — and his ability to move the ball both ways at high pace gives India an edge in seaming conditions.
A symbol of resilience and hope
Jasprit Bumrah has always been more than just a fast bowler for India — he’s a symbol of modern-day athletic discipline, grit, and evolution. Every time he returns from injury, he comes back sharper, more focused, and ready to contribute.
As MI look to salvage their IPL 2025 campaign and India prepare for their most important red-ball assignment of the year, Bumrah once again stands as the X-factor. When Jasprit Bumrah is back, everything feels possible again!
Read More: Jasprit Bumrah breaks the 200-wicket barrier in Tests, becomes fastest India pacer to this milestone
