The buzz around the IPL 2025 is reaching a new high with the almost-comeback of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the Mumbai Indians. Bumrah, who has been a crucial asset for the team since his IPL debut in 2013, is currently in the final stages of rehabilitation following a stress-related lower back injury. This injury kept him out of action since the dramatic Test series against Australia at the start of the year.

After he went under the knife in 2023 for a back surgery, the fast bowler has been cautious with his recovery. At 31, Bumrah's managed return is vital not only for the Mumbai Indians but also for the national team, with the highly-anticipated five-Test series in England about to kick off on June 28th. Working diligently at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he's been ramping up his bowling workload, a sign that's giving both fans and teammates a beacon of hope.

Strategic Patience from Mumbai Indians

Despite the progress, it's clear that neither Bumrah nor the Mumbai Indians are rushing his return. An insider source mentions that he’ll likely miss the franchise’s next two matches. This cautious approach, backed by both the team's coaching staff and the BCCI medical team, is focused on ensuring Bumrah hits top form when he officially steps back onto the field.

The coaching plan includes warming him up through possible practice matches ahead of his full-fledged return. This decision echoes the franchise's understanding of Bumrah’s value to the side, having claimed 165 wickets in 133 matches over his IPL career.

In Bumrah's absence, the Mumbai Indians have leaned heavily on new entrants and old hands to fill the void. Fresh talents like Satyanarayana Raju and Vignesh Puthur are pitted alongside seasoned bowlers such as Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. While they’ve shown promise, Bumrah's return is eagerly anticipated to solidify the team's bowling attack, which has historically benefitted from his unique skill set.

The cricketing community is rallying behind Bumrah, as his return will not only lift the spirits of MI fans but will also bolster India's bowling options for the upcoming challenges abroad. As tension mounts and every spell of Bumrah’s rehabilitation is closely monitored, Mumbai Indians fans are counting down the days to see their spearhead pacer back where he belongs.